When to Spay or Neuter a Goldendoodle: Why I Recommend Waiting
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If you take your puppy to a high-volume veterinary clinic, you’ll likely be handed a brochure for spaying or neutering the moment your pup turns six months old. It’s been the "standard" advice for decades. However, as a professional breeder, I have a mandatory clause in my contracts: No Ironstone Goldendoodle is to be spayed or neutered before 12 months of age.
This isn't about being difficult; it’s about biology. When I look at Charlie at 13 weeks, I don't just see a cute puppy—I see a complex system of growing bones and shifting hormones. Here is the science-backed reason why I am waiting to neuter Charlie, and why you should wait for your Doodle, too.
The "Growth Plate" Connection
Goldendoodles are a cross between two breeds—Poodles and Golden Retrievers—that are structurally prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia and ACL (CCL) tears.
Hormones like testosterone and estrogen are the "signals" that tell a puppy’s growth plates when to close. If you remove those hormones too early (at 6 months), the growth plates stay "open" for longer than they should. This causes the leg bones to grow longer than nature intended, which changes the angles of the joints. This "lanky" growth puts immense strain on the ligaments. By waiting until Charlie is at least a year old, I am ensuring his skeleton finishes growing under the proper hormonal guidance.
Reducing the Risk of Cancer and Hip Dysplasia
Recent studies, specifically those coming out of UC Davis, have shown a significant increase in the risk of certain cancers (like Hemangiosarcoma) and joint disorders in Golden Retrievers and Poodles that are fixed before they reach maturity.
As a breeder, my primary goal is longevity. I want Charlie to live for 15 years. By allowing him to keep his natural hormones until his first birthday, I am giving his immune system and his joints the best possible foundation. This is the same level of care I emphasize when we discuss Handling for the Vet—proactive health is always better than reactive surgery.
Managing an "Intact" Adolescent
I know what you're thinking: "But won't a 9-month-old intact male be a nightmare to handle?" This is where training becomes vital. Many people use neutering as a "fix" for behavioral issues like jumping or pulling, but those are training problems, not hormone problems. Charlie is already learning the Puppy Foundations he needs to be a gentleman, regardless of his hormone levels.
If you have a female, you will have to manage one "heat cycle" before her spay. It requires diligence, high-quality dog diapers (check my Gear Page for the ones that actually stay on a Doodle!), and 100% supervision. It’s a temporary inconvenience for a lifetime of health benefits.
The "Ironstone" Requirement
I am so firm on this because I’ve seen the alternative. I’ve seen 2-year-old Doodles with "early-onset" arthritis because they were neutered at 16 weeks.
If you're worried about managing a teenager who is still intact, don't panic. I walk you through the "Adolescent Phase" management in my Goldendoodle Academy. For $45, the Puppy Foundations module gives you the tools to keep your dog focused on you, even when their biology is telling them to be distracted.
Final Thoughts
Neutering Charlie is a "one-way street"—once it’s done, you can’t put those hormones back. By waiting until he is at least 12 months (and ideally 18 months for larger Doodles), I’m protecting his joints, his heart, and his future. It’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your dog’s health. Please, follow the science and give those bones time to grow.