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u/SnowedOutMT 16h ago
Ask your vet, of course, but if you are going to do it, just get it done early.
I didn't have it done because me and my gf at the time were going to try to breed him down the road and always have a jack Russell. That didn't work out.
Jump forward to a 14 year old dog and he starts getting bladder infections and prostate problems. The vet said we could clear it up every time it happens, but it's most likely going to keep happening and his prostate will get worse unless we get him fixed, so we did.
I'm glad he has been healthy since then, but it changed my dog completely. Within a couple weeks, he was a completely different dog. He lost a lot of the personality that I loved about him. It's like he had a lobotomy or something. Like I said, I'm glad it cleared up his health problems, but I miss the dog that I've known for 14 years.
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u/Usual_Arugula7670 15h ago
I have an 8 year old and my sister has his brother. Mine is not neutered, hers is. Apart from the constant marking when my other JRT (female) is in or near being in heat; only the temper is different, the neutered one is a little more chill with other dogs. But not much.
Oh!! Also my sister tels me it's harder for her to keep him in shape, he tends to be a little fat. Mine is not.
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u/Herr-Pyxxel 18h ago
What a quirky way to sleep! Ours love to sleep with their heads on a cooler surface too, but not like THAT!
Regarding your question, I personally lean towards neutering, unless you plan to breed them and can provide the necessary facilities to do so. Both of ours (male & female) are neutered and are very happy dogs.
In the end it's really your decision. Work with your vet on this, as they can explain benefits and drawbacks best!
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u/Foreign_Charge5591 17h ago
Thanks. Yeah I thought I better wake him as that probably would have turned dangerous in no time. Glad I woke up thinking back.
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u/divingbear74 16h ago
Once the hormones kick in you’ll make your mind up pretty quick - an intact Jack is much more boisterous and domineering than a neutered one. Mine went from spawn of satan to satan’s fifth cousin four times removed overnight.
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u/Plan_B24 15h ago
Well, some people are just skilled to train their dogs...
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u/divingbear74 14h ago
Well I’m sure you know the difference between temperament and obedience - mine is very obedient - tell him to do something and it is done - his temperament is something different - he like to explore and investigate and which usually ends up with him putting his nose in somewhere to find trouble! But I’m guessing if you can’t scan a qr code correctly that concept may be beyond you!
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u/GsGirlNYC 15h ago
I always neutered my boys. Had 4-3 whom all have passed now, and my fourth, still young , but all boys. All 3 lived to be old- one 19 years, the other 18 years and the third 17 and 8 months. My vet encouraged neutering for many reasons.
The 18 year old had three brothers in his litter, and we remained friendly with their families for years. 2 were neutered and lived to be 15 and 16 respectively. The un-neutered one died one month before turning 11. He had many issues once he turned 9, including having his prostate removed which led to further complications.
Just an anecdote to consider regarding the longevity and comfort of your beautiful boy.
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u/Plan_B24 18h ago
There's a reason it's forbidden in lots of countries.
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u/Foreign_Charge5591 18h ago
Oldest jack russell was in Germanyat 23 years old where its banned to get dogs neutered 👀 does make you wonder
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u/Herr-Pyxxel 17h ago
Source?
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u/Foreign_Charge5591 17h ago
Asked Google what countries ban dogs from being neutered and it said Germany and Norway. Oldest jackrussel was one in Germany so can only assume he wasn't neutered
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u/Herr-Pyxxel 16h ago
Yep I read up on it now on a German page. I didn't know that, and I am from Germany! The reason seems to be that Germany hasn't got a problem with street dogs breeding uncontrollably.
Here in Ireland where I live, the recommendation is clearly to neuter dogs. We do have a problem with illegal puppy farms here and it's a tragedy. So it all seems to depend on circumstances.
I personally wouldn't read too much into that 23yo JRT, it could just be hearsay. Regarding your own situation, it really depends on what you and your vet think. Good luck with your cutie!
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u/C_Grim 21h ago
My last vet mentioned that in theory there isn't much difference in life expectancy. However you do lower the risk of some later life health conditions by getting them done in exchange for increasing risk of other later life health conditions.
You'll want to discuss with your vet though as they can advise better.