WHY YOU SHOULD SPAY OR NEUTER
Neutering, also called altering or sterilizing, refers to the surgical removal of an animal's
reproductive organs. A male dog's testicles are removed in surgery called a gonadectomy,
or castration. A female dog's ovaries and uterus are removed in surgery called an
ovariohysterectomy, or spay surgery. Neutering procedures are the most common elective
surgeries veterinarians perform, and are very safe when conducted by a veterinarian under
sterile conditions. Random bred dogs should certainly be neutered, but reputable breeders
agree that purebred dogs not in Conformation shows or professional breeding program
should also be sterilized.
If you got your Bichon Frise puppy from a reputable breeder, you can be confident it is a
healthy, loving and attractive animal who will make you a fine companion. He comes from
the best breeding stock available. You can be proud of him and assured that he represents
the breed in a manner that conforms well to the Standard.
At this point, however, for reasons having to do with the welfare and improvement of the
Bichon Frise breed and the shocking excess of unwanted and stray purebred dogs today,
you should consider the spay/neuter contract offered by most reputable breeders. The
American Kennel Club approves of the use of such an agreement in lieu of the transfer
of papers to the new owner until such time as the animal is spayed or neutered. Perhaps
some additional explanation of the practical advantages of owning a non-breeding pet will
help to assure you that you will be doing the right thing by simply loving and enjoying the
beauty and personality of this pup without adding more Bichon Frise (or accidentally,
mixed breed dogs) to the world's canine population.
If your puppy is a male, he will be more content and attentive to you if he does not have
the never-ending awareness and urge to seek bitches in season (who seem to be everywhere,
often running loose). One way to keep this contented state is not to allow him to breed and
to have him altered (neutered) at such time as your veterinarian advises. There is no evidence
that not breeding, or alteration, results in any psychological harm. The male dog that seems
intent on grabbing your leg or making love to the arm of the sofa can be turned into a more
reserved gentleman via the surgeon's scalpel. And the result is usually a far more tractable and
pleasant pet. Neutered males are also less likely to leave home for some alluring female since
the 'drive' is no longer there. Another plus is that they won't be inclined to 'scent-mark' their
territory (in other words lift a leg) in forbidden areas.
If your puppy is a bitch, she, too, will be more content and attentive when she does not have
to go through the tension and frustration often associated with seasons, and you will find it
easier to enjoy her without the mess and the nuisance of noisy, persistent male dogs
congregating at your doorstep, watering your shrubbery for two weeks at a time, twice a year
or so. Instead she can be your companion any time, ready for play or competition, since you
don't have to worry about her periods of confinement. Always, when we have decided that a
bitch we own is not to be used for breeding, we have her spayed - even though we have the
facilities to keep her secure and are accustomed to having bitches in season year-round.
In short, both spaying and neutering should be thought of as a way to improve your dog's life
and yours. The procedures can help your pets live longer by reducing the occurrence of certain
tumors as well as by making them less likely to roam or fight. The expense of alteration is small
and it will very likely "pay for itself" in unstained carpet, intact fences, or the like.
And, remember - by not breeding your pet, you will be making a very real contribution to animal
welfare as a whole. Most of the unwanted and stray purebred dogs come from "puppy mills"
who breed heavily and without regard for quality or genetic testing or screening. A second
major source is pet owners who breed their animals without realizing the responsibilities of
placing the puppies and are faced with giving them away to people who may repeat the entire
sequence. The way things are going, many of these will end up in pounds, poor homes, on the
sides of highways, and otherwise forced out of survival.
Breeding dogs has become a complex, expensive and demanding practice, which should be
backed with a thorough knowledge of the desired traits of the breed.
NOT FAT AND LAZY
The line about spaying or neutering making a canine companion turn chubby is practically a
classic. The truth of the matter is that any overfed, under-exercised dog can put on weight
regardless of its sexual state.
Nor will neutering or spaying cause a dog to become lethargic, although if a male has been
putting all his energies into pursuing lady dogs with lust in his heart. He may become calmer
once the urge to merge has been quelled. Some folks tend to anthropomorphize their pets.
So they see the act of neutering a male as somewhat degrading and robbing him of his macho
nature. Or they regard spaying as depriving their female of maternal rights, taking away her
femininity. They feel they wouldn't want to see it happen to themselves and so they don't
want to see it happen to their dogs.
This is so wrong. Dogs are dogs and people are people. Dogs don't even understand romance -
candlelight and soft music are wasted on them. Please don't attribute your own beliefs about
sexuality to your pet. Instead, think about what's best for his or her life with you, and his or her
life in society.
What's more, a dog that is spayed or neutered before the age of sexual responsiveness will
never miss sex, It will never occur to him or her.
There's one time when you should NOT have your purebred dog spayed or neutered and that's
when you intend to participate in conformation dog shows, which originated to help breeders
select the very best dogs to carry on the breed. Since spayed or neutered dogs can't produce,
the rules prohibit them from being shown. However, they are happily accepted in other official
and unofficial sports such as obedience or agility.
If you have no interest in conformation shows or in breeding, consider the many benefits of
spaying or neutering your pet.
