My golden was 15 months when she had her first season. Larger breeds are very often later than smaller dogs. I am intending to let her have another season (because doing this will allow her to become fully mature and also establish whether she has a six monthly cycle). I will then have her spayed mid way between her second and third season. I have no worries about coping with an in-season bitch and believe this is the best thing to do for my dog.

I had Lily spayed at 6 months because I lived with 2 unneutered male dogs at the time. If I had to do it again, I'd wait.

Both of my girls were spayed before their first heats (and unless I have some thoughts of breeding the next one, she will be too). Most things have been covered here, but I want to throw this one out there-make sure that you keep her weight reasonable! I am astounded at the number of pudgy goldens I see even 6-7 months. The number increases dramatically as they age even a few months. A fat dog is a harder/riskier surgery.

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Sarah

Ruby: Topbrass Ravishing Ruby CDX, RAE, JH, AX, OAJ, XF, WCX, CCA, VC, CGC, TT (8/1/04)
Piper: Topbrass Pipe Dream CD, JH, RA, OAP, NJP, WC, CCA (7/19/09)
Sage: Prime Time Sage RN, CGC (10/27/97-12/2/12)

Thank you for that piece of advice as well.

She is very much on the small side, only 40 lbs now at just under 7mos, but I will definitely keep an eye on it.

Jaime


Sent from my iPhone using PG Free

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~Jaime~

Rosie, born 4/24/2012

My best friend tells me all the time that Libbie is too skinny. I don't think so at all. I think she's just right. Definitely not pudgy, but I will keep an eye on her for sure!

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Liberty - 10 months




Kim - Mommy to fur-baby Liberty and 2 human daughters 12 and 14 years old

It's hard not to take offense, right? lol I was at the vet last week with Rosie and this random lady w/ a Weimreiner was petting her saying "you're so skinnny, you're so skinnnnnny" over and over as if I wasn't feeding my dog. I was getting kind of annoyed. She is healthy, and her ribs aren't showing.

I would like some meat on her bones, but that just isn't her frame. I love her the way she is.

All our females were spayed before their first heat and they all lived long, healthy lives.

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**Fraulein "Maggie" Louise 8/2/95 - 7/20/09**
*At Rainbow Bridge but Forever in Our Hearts*

It's all I can do not to blurt out "well your dog is FAT". She has a lab who is way overweight. Their vet has told them so several times. I don't think it's cute to have an overweight dog

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Liberty - 10 months




Kim - Mommy to fur-baby Liberty and 2 human daughters 12 and 14 years old

lol Agree. Libbie looks a lot like Rosie. Some dogs just have a more petite frame. My vet told me I'd be lucky if she hits 50 lbs.

Beidget is 1 year now, and weighs 61...she looks pudgy to me, not too tall...but I can feel her back rib, and an indentation after that rib...she looks nice and slim when wet...fluffy and huge after being groomed.

She hasn't been getting regular exercise, with me staying at my mothers...(she's on hospice care) and my husband at home with her.......I just can't stretch myself any farther than I am...Yikes......

She's only fed 1 cup a.m. 1 cup p.m.
with 3 tbs. wet food in the second feeding .......if she's really active and exercised that day.........

I don't want a tubby dog!

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