Should I neuter or spay my Caucasian Shepherd

A controversed topic for dog owners is the one of spaying/neutering their pet. It is wise to weigh down the pros and cons, look at your context and possibilities and take a wise decision. Here are some details on these processes and some advice from us regarding Caucasian Shepherds.

What it implies

For females, the surgical procedure of removing the reproductive organs is commonly called “spaying” and medically called “ovariohysterectomy”. It involves a procedure in which the doctor removes the uterus and the ovaries of the female dog completely. 

For male dogs, the procedure is called “neutering” or “castration” and it involves the removal of the dog’s testicles. The procedure is less invasive than the female spaying, done through a small incision at the front of the scrotum.

These procedures are done under anesthesia and it will take around two weeks for the dog to recover to its full energy after the surgery.

Myths about changing behavior

There are many people who decide for male neutering or female spaying because they hope for a change in their behavior. Indeed, the hormonal input is different with unneutered dogs, as males tend to be fighting for females in heat and females tend to be roaming and whining when in their heat period. 

However, doing this operation on your dog will not replace proper training and socializing time you need to spend with your dog. The humping of the males and the aggressiveness with other males will probably continue as there is also a dominant and territorial genetic input that drives their behavior. 

Teaching your dog the basic commands is essential, either it is neutered or not. This makes out the connection between you and keeps you out of trouble. While the hormonal input that is removed once neutered or spayed will reduce some of the agitation, you will still have your playful, exploring and territorial dog alongside.

Our Titans Family kennel does not recommend neutering or spaying the Caucasian Shepherd pups that are sent away to different parts of the world. Actually, it is totally the owner’s decision, taking into consideration the lifestyle of the household where the dog will live. 

Female spaying

Female dogs enter their heat cycle once or twice per year and it lasts for 3 to 4 weeks. When they are in this period, the smell and hormones they emit will attract males even from a large distance. So if you have a female Caucasian and she lives in the yard, this might be very problematic, as males are capable to do anything to reach her (dig holes, jump fences, escape their homes etc.). It can be both unsafe and unpleasant to have a number of male dogs from around the neighbors waiting in front of your gate for any opportunity to enter.

Also, there is risk of unwanted puppies if one of the males somehow manages to enter, so you need to take all these into consideration. If your female lives indoors, it can be easier to keep her safe but you also need to pay attention when you take her out for walks.

After being spayed, the female will stop having her cycles but she will keep the previous behavior type. Medically speaking, having her spayed reduces possible health problems on the long run, such as mammary cancer or pyrometer.

Male neutering

In the case of male castration, things do not change a lot after surgery. Aggressive behavior can be reduced in some dogs, but there is no certainty for that. If the genes of the dog passed on the behavior, neutering won’t do any good. 

They will reduce the tendency of conflict with other males in case there are females around, as the reproductive instinct will fade away and they are more protected from diseases such as testicular cancer or prostate disease.

If you live in a household with more than one dog of different sexes of course that you should decide from the beginning if you want litter or not and if you will spay and neuter all or only one of them. If the dogs are different breeds it is necessary for you to perform this surgery on them. Breeding dogs with no experience can be a real detriment for both dogs and the overall breed.

If you decide to have a litter of Caucasian Shepherd pups of your own, you should ask for advice from your breeder regarding the criteria for ideal breeding.

Overall, there is no clear recommendation regarding spaying or neutering your dog, but only your choice after knowing the implications and your personal situation.