Not yet neutered at 4 yrs old ... ?

Hi, following on from my question about changing a dog's name, we have found a possible dog to adopt. He's a black lab, 4 years old. Haven't met him yet, but apparently he hasn't been neutered. Does that matter ? Could we get him "done" if his behaviour/whatever warranted it, once he has settled in ?

yes you could have him done, but to be honest, if he is well behaved, good with other dogs, then I wouldnt, unless there is a high chance of him getting to an in season bitch.

I`ve got 3 late-neutered males. It doesn`t seem to have bothered them at all - even the one who was previously used as a stud dog. Most rescues will ask you to neuter to prevent breeding.

Yes the dog can be neutered. 4 isn't old for a Lab.

I agree with Shona

Yes you can still get him done if required. Just bear in mind some behaviours become 'learned' and so castration at a later stage may not help them.

I have never castrated my dogs except for a health reason and my eldest was done at 10 years because of a benign tumour, he had no problem but we have to watch his weight and take him to the groomer about 6 times a year because of a grease over grown coat.

hi
if its a rescue centre/breed rescue then most expect the dog to be neutured and its part of the adoption process . Some will get a voucher towards it if on low income etc but they will make it part of the adoption procedure.

good luck
dani

Absolutely no need to remove parts of a healthy dog and risk a general anesthetic too! Hope you have lots of fun with him. When I did rescue, we never had the males neutered unless there was good reason for it, we always had the females spayed as it is far more beneficial health wise for them. I have 2 entire males here no problems, 2yrs and almost 10yrs.

If he's from the Dog's Trust they will either have him done before you get him, or make an appointment for you to have him done.