Should A Jack Russell Be Neutered?

by Trish
(Fayetteville, NC)

Reader Question: Should I Neuter My Puppy?

I’m so on the fence about this. I don’t plan to breed him. But I have read different research that has me confused. I knew I would wait until he was a year and a half old. So that he would fully developed. He is that old now. However, my boyfriend has been talking me out of getting Jasper fixed. Jasper is a really great dog aside from the shedding that isn’t his fault. But lately he has become aggressive. Mainly toward my boyfriend when he gets close to me. I don’t want him to get aggressive toward kids in my family that visits often. That would be my only concern. I was told getting him fixed would correct this.

Any thoughts?

Veterinarian Suggestions For Neutering Puppies

Hello,

Preventing aggression is one of the most important reasons why veterinarians typically recommend that all male dogs not destined for use in a breeding program be neutered. I’m afraid that neutering is most effective in this regard when it is performed before aggression develops, but there is still a big potential benefit for you and your dog if you have the procedure performed as soon as possible.

Just be aware that it may not be a cure-all, and you might still have to work with him on his behavior after he has recovered from the surgery.

Good luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM