When Is Best To Spay A Havanese Puppy?
Filed under Care & Training Q&As
I have a 7 month old Havanese and the breeded tells me to not have her spayed until 12 -18 months old. The vet says before 9 months. Who do I listen to? And what is best for this breed?
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The vet is suggesting spaying at this age to prevent an accidental litter. Unless you can keep your bit*ch safely confined when she is in heat..and that means not letting her in the yard off leash without your supervision, spaying now is the right thing to do.
The breeder suggests over 12 months because the growth plates are not closed until the dog is between 12-18 months. Spaying a dog before the growth plates close can result in a dog growing out of standard and developing to be what breeders refer to as ‘long in the leg’.
The decision of when to spay is yours.
Sounds like your breeder has done her research, I agree with Moondog, The breed also needs the hormones for growth development that she would get before 12 months. What does your contract say? I would stay within your contract unless your willing to break it. I understand your vet has the education in all areas of animal health, but a reputable breeder especially one that shows the breed, usually has more experience and knowledge within their breed. I would listen to my breeder and do some research online in a Havanese forum before you make your decision. I think there is a Havanese forum on yahoo you should check that out. And remember all breeders are not MORONS we spend alot of years working with our specific breeds.
I have had so many differing opinions from vets, I am not sure that any of them truly know what is best for this breed!! I will tend to lean on someone who KNOWS my breed, who had a strong background knowledge, and knows that Havs are not the same as all other dogs! I have experienced the horrible reactions to shots and spaying too early. Am Vet Assoc is now going back to a former view that having one heat cycle is best for the dog, the hormone levels aid in growing to full potential health. It is no wonder you are confused if your vet and breeder say different things, BUT, to me, it sounds like your breeder knows what he is talking about with up to date info. Sometimes I wonder if vets don’t “rob” people with over vacinating and procedures. I feel fortunate that I have a great source for information and a vet who listens to me. Just hope you have good results with whatever you decide.
It is totally up to you when you want your dog spayed. Some say wait others say now but in the long run listen to Your own self. But never wait til its to late and she end up with puppies unless that is what you want. If this will help here is a site about Havanese dogs and puppies for extra information.http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/havanese.htm
The vet & I would it done before she goes into heat again. There is no good reason for not spaying until after a year old for small breeds. The sooner you have it done, the lower her chances of getting cancer later on.
the breeder is a freaking moron! the vet is smarter than the breeder. THey spent years studying how to care for animals your breeder probably watched animal planet for 30 min and “became an expert”…
I would listen to the vet
OMG! you have a Havanese? AWWWW! I love that breed! Could you tell me more about it?
Right Now is the Perfect time for any dog, of any breed!
Good Luck