Vets advice on castrating my springer

My springer is 7 months and i took him today for his pre op check to make sure all is okay for his castration in mid oct, he gave him a full check over and remarked on what good nick he was in and all was well and good, then he asked me why i wanted him castrated, i replied with the stock reply of less roaming, less dominance, less chance of certain cancers, he responded by asking me if the dog would be allowed to roam, answer no, he asked me if the dog was dominant with my other 2 or other dogs, answer no, he then told me the cancers associated with male dogs are so unusual as to be insignificant, i really was lost for a reply to be honest, he asked me to hold on for another 10 months or so to see how it goes and for my dog to fully mature and if no problems then no reason to castrate, i felt strangely relieved to be honest i mean they had just turned down 150 quid and given honest advice.
I will need to watch the situation and see how it goes, what is your opinion, old fashioned attitude or a straight up honest opinion from a vet, really has got me thinking, both my other dogs are neutered.
Kind of thrown me a little.

Same thing here. Asked about castration when Toby was 9months and was advised to wait. Everytime we brought it up we were put off. Main reason given was that spaniels can be prone to weight gain but to be honest we struggle to keep any weight on Toby so that could be a good thing! Vet said wait until after puberty and see if it seems necessary then. We've gone ahead and booked him in now but he will be just over 14months when it is done.

my vet actually stated that due to him being a springer he sees no need to castrate due to their friendly nature and lack of dominance/roaming for females, also on the other note we also struggle to keep weight on our springer as he never sits still long enough for weight to accumulate.

I am fortunate that Casper was already neutered when I got him, because I would hate to have to make the decision myself! In the past I would've said neuter, neuter, neuter! but there are pros and cons and it's a personal decision.
Neutering may stop your male from getting a female pregnant, but this can be achieved with good care too. An entire dog may be at risk of testicular cancer, but an neutered dog may be at more risk of prostate cancer. Neutering may fix some behavioural issues like excessive marking or humping, but it may aggravate others.
I would say do lots of research, ask different opinions, and be grateful you have a vet who's first instinct isn't to book him in for an op and get you to part with your hard-earned cash!

imo a nice refreshing modern view from a vet that obviously thinks you are responsible

i guess he is going on the pretence that.. once they are off you cant put em back

Chuff!! A vet talking sense, what a refreshing change from the 'whip 'em off' attitude!!!

I am with the vet. Good advice.

I would add that the minute you notice any aggression or general bolshiness towards other dogs I would do it---but thats my opinion.

rune

Treasure that vet

What an excellent response from your vet - a balanced, informed and considered opinion.

Hooray for good sense !

There is virtually no medical need to routinely castrate dogs, sensible owners wouldnt allow them to stray anyway and most behavioural problems are 'learned behaviour' not testosterone induced so castration never solves this sort of problem.

Maturity will bring weight on a skinny youngster, it takes time for the bones to finish developing and only then can you seriously put down muscle to develop size and shape.

Just invest in training and socialisation and you will have a wonderful, entire, credit to your breed.

THalice's Mum

Well done that vet