What are the pros and cons of castrating a male dog?

Just like with spaying a bitch, there are both pros and cons with castrating your male dog. Castration involves surgically removing both testicles.

Pros: The need to mark territory is reduced, as is the interest to sniff every single spot found while out on a walk. The castrated dog does not get stressed by bitches in season and is less likely to run away from home. The risk for prostate problems is markedly reduced and aggressive behaviour towards other male dogs subsides.

Cons: Castration affects metabolism, which results in an increased risk of gaining weight. It is important to change the diet after castration and exercise your dog daily to avoid unnecessary weight gain. Very early castrations can result in reduced muscle mass development. Aggressive behaviours seen in very insecure or nervous dogs do not necessarily improve after castration. It is important to consult a veterinarian and ethologist (behaviour specialist) before booking an appointment for surgery if aggression is the main reason why you want to castrate your dog.

If your dog is healthy both physically and mentally, it is recommended to castrate at around 6 months of age.