The surgery is not lengthy and usually the dog will be allowed to return home the same day. The time for neutering is usually after six months of age when both testicles have descended into the scrotum. Some veterinarians are recommending neutering at an earlier age and you should heed the advice of your own veterinarian. Monorchid dogs, ( dogs with only one testicle ) can reproduce and neutering is recommended. Such dogs are not used for breeding by reputable breeders.
Neutering of a dog makes him a better family pet, usually eliminating territorial marking, ( such as lifting his leg on every tree and object - even in the house ! ) and roaming in search of bitches in heat. It has health benefits too, as it reduces the chances of testicular cancer, ( common in older dogs ), prostatic tumors, cancer of the prostate gland and anal/rectal cancer. It tends to calm down the sometimes aggressive or hyperactive dog. The aggression has been shown to diminish not only in the dogs behavior to other animals, but often to people as well.
Contrary to popular belief, neutering does not cause a dog to become fat. Every dog needs exercise and a good balanced diet, ( just like people ), but overfeeding and obesity are caused by the owner who is responsible for the dogs food and his weight. As dogs grow older, they tend to exercise less and obviously need less to eat.
Most townships charge an extra fee for licenses for animals that are intact, ( not spayed or castrated ). The dog's chance of living longer are increased because of neutering. Fed correctly, your dog should not become obese and should remain a good watchdog and family pet.
Please remember that all Seeing Eye dogs, Police dogs, and dogs used by the Armed Forces are neutered but remain excellent working dogs and well balanced animals.
Lastly, there are thousands of unwanted dogs in shelters and pounds in this country. So if you are not considering serious breeding of dogs, which is NOT financially rewarding, then leave it to the professional breeders and make sure your dog does not sire puppies that end up unwanted, unloved and euthanized.