The Case For Spaying And Neutering
Many reputable breeders sell pet quality puppies with the agreement that the animal will be neutered. These puppies are sometimes sold at a lower price than the show prospect puppies, even though they have the same excellent pedigree and have received the same care and attention.
The basic disposition and temperament of your dog WILL NOT be changed by removing his or her reproductive capability. Neutering a male can make him more tolerant of other males, but neutering will not, by itself, turn your Golden into an obese, lazy animal. . .that is the result of excess food and insufficient exercise.
Benefits of spaying include not having to worry about accidental breedings, the stress and inconvenience of confining the bitch in season, risky mismating shots, and unwanted puppies. The spayed bitch will not develop uterine infections or tumors of the reproductive system as do so many older unspayed bitches.
The American Kennel Club permits spayed and neutered Goldens to participate in all phases of obedience, tracking, field work, agility and junior handling, but not in most conformation classes.
