Choosing a dog to train as a service dog involves more than simply picking a breed. Factors like a dog’s temperament, health, and ability to perform tasks are essential. However, one often overlooked factor is neutering—specifically, when a dog is spayed or neutered. Research suggests that the timing of neutering can have significant effects on a dog’s health and behavior, both of which are crucial for successful service dog training.
Before we dive into the research, let’s start by discussing breed selection.
Breed: Why It Matters when choosing a dog to train as a Service Dog
While any dog can be trained to be a service dog, certain breeds are more likely to succeed due to their temperament, confidence, ability to adapt to change, and energy levels. Some of the most commonly chosen breeds for service work include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Standard Poodles. However, even within a breed, there are significant differences.
For example:
Labrador Retrievers come in two main types: English Labradors (show lines) and American Labradors (working lines). English Labradors, known for their calm demeanor and stable temperament, are typically better suited for service dog work than American Labradors, which tend to be more energetic and driven. They can also show more signs of anxiety.
Similarly, Golden Retrievers bred for show typically have a more laid-back, focused demeanor compared to those bred for fieldwork.
These differences matter because service dogs need to be calm, focused, and adaptable to a variety of environments. While some breeds like Labradors and Golden Retrievers are popular choices, no breed has a 100% success rate when it comes to becoming a service dog. Even the best-bred dogs can fail training due to health issues or behavioral problems.
Mixed Breeds: A Strong Alternative
Interestingly, mixed-breed dogs can also be excellent candidates for service dog training. In fact, organizations like Medical Mutts have had success with rescue and mixed-breed dogs, often finding that mixed-breeds may have fewer inherited health problems compared to purebred dogs. Additionally, they tend to be adaptable, making them great candidates for the specialized work required of service dogs.
While mixed-breeds are sometimes overlooked, research from Hart et al. (2024) shows that mixed-breed dogs are just as capable as purebreds when assessed for behavioral and health traits, often living longer than purebred dogs. However, Zlotnick et al. (2019) found that mixed-breeds might be dismissed more often than purebreds due to behavioral issues. This highlights the importance of thorough temperament assessments in mixed-breed dogs, alongside their physical health evaluations.
The Impact of Neutering Timing on Service Dog Success
Two important studies provide valuable insights into how neutering age affects service dogs:
Zlotnick et al. (2019) studied 245 service dog candidates and found that the age at which dogs were neutered had a significant effect on health and behavior-related dismissals from training.
Hart et al. (2024) discussed the broader health effects of neutering on dogs, including its impact on joint disorders, cancer risks, and behavioral issues.
Both studies point to neutering timing as a critical factor for dogs undergoing service dog training.
Best Age for Neutering: 7-11 Months
The Zlotnick study found that dogs neutered between 7-11 months had the lowest dismissal rates for both health and behavioral reasons. This age range allows dogs to reach maturity, which helps develop the necessary muscle and joint strength while still minimizing the risk of behavioral issues.
Neutering Before 7 Months: Health Risks
The study revealed that neutering dogs before 7 months significantly increased their risk of orthopedic issues, including hip dysplasia, ligament damage, and other musculoskeletal disorders. This is especially true for larger breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, which were found to be particularly susceptible to health-related dismissals when neutered too early. These orthopedic issues can severely hinder a dog’s ability to perform tasks like mobility assistance, making early neutering a risky choice for service dog candidates.
Additionally, neutering before 7 months has been linked to behavioral problems, including fear aggression and increased anxiety, which can interfere with a dog’s ability to perform in public settings.
Neutering After 11 Months: Behavioral Issues
On the other hand, neutering after 11 months can lead to increased behavioral problems. Dogs neutered later in life may develop more pronounced fear-based behaviors, reactivity, or aggression. These behaviors can make training difficult and reduce the dog’s ability to focus on its tasks. For service dog training, a stable and predictable temperament is crucial, which is why neutering after 11 months can be problematic.
Why Timing Matters for Different Breeds
Breed differences also play a role in how neutering timing impacts health. Labrador Retrievers were found to be at a higher risk for orthopedic dismissals when neutered before 7 months, compared to Golden Retrievers. This finding aligns with the well-established fact that Labradors are more prone to certain joint issues, which makes early neutering even more problematic for them.
While Golden Retrievers also face health risks from early neutering, they appear to be less susceptible to orthopedic problems than Labradors. This makes them an excellent choice for service dog training, especially when neutered later, around 7-11 months of age.
Alternative Sterilization Methods: A New Approach?
As concerns about early neutering grow, researchers are exploring alternative sterilization methods. These methods, such as ovary-sparing spay and vasectomy, aim to reduce the risks associated with traditional neutering by preserving some of the hormones that help regulate growth and behavior. These methods are not yet widely available but could provide a viable option for minimizing the negative effects of early neutering while still preventing unwanted litters.
Medical Mutts and Neutering Practices
At Medical Mutts Service Dogs, we often work with rescue dogs, which means we don’t always control when they are spayed or neutered. However, we prioritize health and behavior assessments to ensure that each dog is a good candidate for service dog training. By conducting extensive health tests, including screening for orthopedic issues, and evaluating temperament, we give our dogs the best chance of success, even if they were neutered earlier or later than the ideal 7-11 months window.
Conclusion: Making the Best Decision for Your Service Dog
When selecting a service dog, it’s essential to consider both breed and health and should also include the timing of neutering. Based on the research, neutering between 7-11 months offers the best balance between preventing behavioral problems and maintaining health. While early neutering (before 7 months) is linked to increased risks of joint disorders and behavioral issues, delaying neutering until after 11 months can lead to behavioral challenges.
Ultimately, the key to choosing the right service dog lies in understanding the complex relationship between breed, health, and neutering timing. By working with experts who understand these factors, like those at Medical Mutts, you can ensure that your service dog has the best possible chance of success.
References: Zlotnick, M., Corrigan, V., Griffin, E., Alayon, M., & Hungerford, L. (2019). Incidence of Health and Behavior Problems in Service Dog Candidates Neutered at Various Ages. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00334.
Hart, L.A., Hart, B.L., Kutzler, M.A., & Atema, K.N. (2024). Editorial: Effective Options Regarding Spay or Neuter of Dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1442805.
Kristensen, S. F. (2020). Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? A review of the current data on diseases and longevity in dogs. (Dissertation). https://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-96779