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A wolf, horse or gorilla will fight for dominance but dogs love people so much that they accept a lower position and look to US for leadership.

Barbara "BJ" Andrews, SAAB Member

May 27, 2025 update | Feb. 19, 2024

Certain dog breeds were developed to protect sheep and other livestock but that was centuries before we ever thought about castrating a dog. If neutering a dog is suggested to livestock owners they reject it, stating it makes the dogs less efficient. But livestock owners would disagree and so would most owners of any protective dog breed.

Does it make him (or her) a better “house-dog”? Neutering or spaying does seem to enable the dog to focus full time on YOU and consciously or otherwise, that may be the objective.

Neutering pets is major income for veterinarians but does it really solve more problems than it corrects? What about aggression – wanted in a personal protection dog but not in lap dogs.

A large animal vet said “We “geld” horses (i.e. castrate) to make them calmer and quieter but that should not be a problem with mannerly dogs.” Another veterinarian said "We’re told castration “…makes males better pets” but if that is true, why have a dog at all? Perhaps a cat would be better."

My male dogs, from Akitas to Toy Fox Terriers never “marked” in the house today we are urged by veterinarians to “neuter” male dogs. Asked why, we are told it stops “marking territory.” I never neutered our dogs. One or two proper corrections worked just as well. Proof is that my dogs, of different breeds over the last 60 years, all understood “marking” on PEOPLE territory was sure to bring a humiliatingly bad result. Dogs are not stupid.

So why do most websites recommend neutering?

My horse vet said “We “geld” horses (i.e. castrate) to make them calmer and quieter but that should not be a problem with mannerly dogs.” Indeed, most veterinarians agree that castration surgery is safe, easy (and profitable) especially with todays pet insurance.

One of the most common questions www.TheDogPress.com receives is ‘Does castrating dogs make them less protective of their people and property?’ Castrating does make a dog (or horse) calmer and with some breeds, that may be the goal.

On the other hand, many owners say it made their dog lazy or uninterested and that wasn’t what they wanted. Doing a hysterectomy to prevent unintended litters has a less noticeable effect on the female dog and indeed, spaying helps control an “overpopulation” problem - but so does fencing.

Best for all, obedience classes that are by professionally credentialed trainers are a much better solution for your peace of mind, and for you and your dog's socialization and overall health.

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