msvette2u wrote:There was a discussion a while back about long bones and how the release and production of the testosterone or estrogen in dogs/bitches slows the growth of long bones or regulates it, or makes the growth plates close earlier than if the dog is s/n.
I found it very interesting. Yaeger is taller than the breed standard for GSDs and I always wonder, had we let him mature sexually if he would be closer to the standard for GSDs or if he'd be tall still since most BYB like to grow 'em bigger than the standard...
Yes, this was a very interesting topic I hadn't heard previously.
The 3 dogs I have had neutered at 6 months (whose lines all produced fairly predictable size) all 3 of them (1 male and 2 females ASTs and GSD) were considerably larger than typical for not only their line, but their breed. But their weight was average, and musculature was average-to-lean.
Luke, male 22" 60lbs. AST,
Alex, female 21" 55lbs. AST,
Kate, female 24+" 75lbs. GSD
where my dogs neutered at 1 y/o + were
Willie, male 18 1/2" 55lbs. AST
Vegas, female 18 1/2" 55lbs. akc/ukc AST
Musculature average-to-better. (better just meaning bigger, more filled out, not super-stocky)
Parents and lines of these dogs were generally within standard. Coincidence?
Either way, I am going to wait to neuter James until at least 8 mos., maybe a year depending on how he matures. Snip, snip, either way... and having that info HAS influenced my decision.
I HAVE noticed in agility (where we know the heights of the dogs), that the young neutered rotties I know are MUCH taller (and leaner) on average than the intact, or over 1 year neutered (stockier) dogs I know.
Are the taller dogs pet quality because of their size and this is the reason they are neutered? and 'standard' dogs kept intact? I doubt it. I know people DO breed bigger... but these dogs are from known lines.
Coincidence?
Sorry if this is off-topic, but I found it interesting. What are your experiences, by comparison?