Advantages & Disadvantages of Getting Maltese Dogs Neutered

A Maltese is a small, toy-sized dog that is recognizable by its long, white coat and cheerful disposition. Male dogs that have not been neutered are called "intact" and neutered dogs are referred to as "altered." The neutering process is the surgical removal of the testicles while the dog is under general anesthesia. Altering companion dogs is a safe method of unwanted litter control, behavior problems and disease.

  1. Behaviorial Advantages

    • Neutering offers several behavioral advantages that result in making companion pets more compatible with both people and other pets. Neutered males are less likely to become distracted during training sessions and outings. Where intact males will urinate to mark their territory, altered males do not mark their territory or attempt to mount other dogs or people. Another behavioral advantage is that altered males are less likely to roam or leave their home territory, which can also prevent lost or injured pets.

    Health Advantages

    • Altering a male Maltese also will improve its health and life expectancy. Neutered males are less likely to develop testicular cancer and prostate diseases that account for nearly 8 percent of all canine illnesses. And, because high levels of testosterone also increase the chance of hernias, neutering at an early age, usually before 1 year, greatly reduces the risk of a male Maltese ever developing them.

    Disadvantages

    • The only disadvantage to neutering a Maltese is that the neutering process renders the male dog incapable of siring any litters. While many pet owners believe that it is important to keep a purebred intact to produce a pup from a favorite dog's bloodline, there is no evidence to support that any pups from a specific sire will result in producing a similar dog. Additionally, neutering does not in itself cause pets to gain weight or become fat.

    Considerations

    • Neutering companion pets strengthens the breed's bloodline by preventing poor traits such as coat texture and conformation from being bred back into the gene pool. Neuter programs are vitally important to controlling animal overpopulation. As a result, organizations such as the ASPCA have neuter clinics that can come to your neighborhood to provide spay and neuter services. Neuter clinics also have low-income spay and neuter programs to ensure that all pets have the same opportunities for a happy and healthy life.