We believe that part of being an ethical breeder is protecting your breed. Part of protecting the English Golden Retriever is to make sure our Golden Retriever puppies go to incredible pet homes or highly ethical breeders’ homes.

Here at Recherche Goldens, we sell most of our pups with a spay/neuter contract because we simply do not have the time or energy to fully vet potential pet owners. We have decided to only sell full registration to established breeders of English Golden Retrievers that have a solid history of breeding ethically. Because of our rules in this area, we are quite often asked the question, “When should I spay or neuter my English Golden Retriever puppy?”

The Controversy Over Spay And Neuter Timing

We have personally worked with over 20 veterinarians in several different states, and through our clients, we have worked with hundreds of veterinarians in almost every state and several countries. There is one consistent truth we have learned: there is no black and white answer.

It seems that the more research I do, the more confused I become. Some veterinarians believe that there are many health problems associated with neutering/spaying too early, while other veterinarians hold an opposing view. It is highly controversial. The biggest problem I run into is that most veterinarians are firm in their opinion.

What I am writing below is my OPINION based on years of research. I don’t believe that I am infallible or incapable of being wrong, as many medical practitioners do. Because of this, I provide flexibility in our warranty. I allow for a pup to be up to 2 1/2 years old before being spayed or neutered. It’s not that I think you should wait that long, but just in case you are strongly opposed to doing it earlier, I do leave that judgment call to my clients.

The Golden Retriever Gender Gap

My opinion does vary on the gender of the Golden Retriever. I personally have a much stronger opinion on when to spay a female than when to neuter a male. According to most veterinarians and multiple websites, I believe that a female should be spayed before having her first heat. However, some veterinarians believe you should wait until the first heat, but most theriogenologists (reproductive veterinarians) and practicing veterinarians agree that it should be done before the first heat.

The reason for this is that studies have shown that females spayed before their first heat have almost no chance of developing many types of reproductive cancers. For example, breast cancer is very common in female Golden Retrievers. In fact, it is the most common tumor type in female dogs. Female dogs that are spayed before their first heat have a 0.5% chance of developing mammary neoplasia. Female dogs that are spayed after their first heat have an 8% chance, and females spayed after two heat cycles have a 26% chance of developing tumors sometime in their life (Click here for 1 out of many studies).

These are astounding. Because of this, I strongly recommend spaying a female before they go into their first heat. Female English Golden Retrievers typically go into their first heat between 8-14 months old. Our average English Golden Retriever goes into heat closer to 10-12 months of age. We recommend spaying a female between 7-8 months of age.

When To Neuter A Male English Golden Retriever

These are astounding. Because of this, I strongly recommend spaying a female before they go into their first heat. Female English Golden Retrievers typically go into their first heat between 8-14 months old. Our average English Golden Retriever goes into heat closer to 10-12 months of age. We recommend spaying a female between 7-8 months of age.

If it were me, I would consider neutering him somewhere in the middle, around 1 to 1 1/2 years of age. The main danger in waiting until your male is fully grown to neuter him is that he may be prone to “find a soul mate.” Whenever a female goes into heat, our wonderful, sweet, obedient, and loving boys behave differently and even seem possessed. They will do whatever they can to get to the female, even if that means breaking out of their enclosure.

To Wrap it Up

Find an experienced veterinarian who has years of experience with spaying/neutering. Our warranty requires both males and females to be spayed/neutered by 2 1/2 years of age, so don’t put it off.

Many owners worry about recovery time and try to wait until the “right time,” which can lead to waiting TOO long. However, most clients are surprised at how fast their dog recovers from the surgery. Every dog we have had spayed or neutered has had to be crated and wear the “collar of shame” to prevent them from ripping their stitches out, but it is generally very short-term. I am always amazed by how tough Golden Retrievers are. Usually, they recover in a few short days. Don’t delay… get it done!