Best Time to Spay / Neuter Your Golden Retriever

If you’ve recently brought home a Golden Retriever puppy, one of the most important decisions you’ll make involves when to spay or neuter your golden retriever. While spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) are standard and responsible practices to help control the pet population, timing is everything—especially for large breeds like Golden Retrievers.

Research now shows that waiting until your Golden is physically mature before spaying or neutering can have lasting health benefits. Here’s what every responsible owner should know.

Why Not Too Early?

Golden Retrievers grow rapidly in their first year of life, but they don’t reach full skeletal maturity until around 18–24 months of age. Early spay/neuter—especially before 12 months—can interfere with this development, potentially increasing the risk of certain health issues.

Health Risks of Early Spay/Neuter

1. Orthopedic Problems

Studies (including those from UC Davis Veterinary Medicine) have shown a significantly higher risk of hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries in Goldens who are spayed or neutered before 12 months.

2. Cancer Risk

Golden Retrievers are already predisposed to some types of cancer. Research indicates that early sterilization may increase the risk of certain cancers, such as lymphoma.

So, When Is the Right Time?

For most Golden Retrievers, the recommended timeline is:

• Males: Around 18–24 months
• Females: After their first or second heat cycle (usually between 18–24 months)

This allows your dog’s bones, joints, and immune system to develop fully under the natural influence of sex hormones.

Note: Always consult your veterinarian, especially if your dog has any underlying health conditions that might require earlier sterilization.

What About the Mammary Cancer Risk?

Possibly Preventing Mammary Cancer

While early spaying may reduce mammary tumor risk in general, its benefits are often outweighed by increased risks of more dangerous conditions, especially in Golden Retrievers.

Waiting until after 12 months to spay /neuter your Golden Retriever can significantly reduce the risk of specific health issues, particularly joint disorders and cancers. This recommendation is supported by multiple studies, especially those conducted by researchers at the University of California, Davis.Frontiers+6PMC+6UC Davis+6Home+2The Spruce Pets+2UC Davis+2

Key Reasons to Delay Spaying/Neutering

1. Reduced Risk of Joint Disorders

Early neutering (before 12 months) has been linked to a higher incidence of joint problems in Golden Retrievers. A study analyzing 759 Golden Retrievers found that neutering before 6 months increased the risk of hip dysplasia (HD), cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear, by 4–5 times that of intact dogs. This is attributed to the role of sex hormones in the closure of bone growth plates; removing these hormones too early can disrupt normal skeletal development.

2. Lower Incidence of Certain Cancers

Spaying or neutering, particularly in females, has been connected with an increased risk of some types of cancers. In female Golden Retrievers, spaying at any age elevated the risk of developing cancers such as lymphosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, and mast cell tumors by 3–4 times compared to intact females. Delaying the procedure or keeping them intact may help mitigate this risk.

3. Recommendations from Veterinary Experts

Based on these findings from the Golden Retriever Society, veterinary experts recommend delaying spaying or neutering Golden Retrievers until they are at least 12 months old. Some sources suggest waiting until 18 months for complete physical and hormonal maturity. By doing this, the approach aims to balance the benefits of the procedure with the potential health risks associated with early neutering.

Key Scientific Studies on Cancer & Joint Disorders in Golden Retrievers

1. Hart et al., UC Davis (2013) – PLOS ONE

Title: “Neutering Dogs: Effects on Joint Disorders and Cancers in Golden Retrievers”

📍Link to study

🔬 Findings:

• Joint Disorders:
  • Early-neutered males (before 12 months):
    • 10% had hip dysplasia (2x more than intact males).
    • 5% had CCL tears (none in intact males).
  • Early-neutered females also had a higher rate of CCL issues.
• Cancer:
  • Lymphosarcoma: 3x more common in early-neutered males than in intact.
  • Hemangiosarcoma: More common in late-spayed females (7–8%).
  • Mast cell tumors: Higher in late-spayed females than in early or intact.

2. Hart et al., UC Davis (2020) – Frontiers in Veterinary Science

Title: “Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for 35 Breeds of Dogs: Associated Joint Disorders and Cancers”

📍Link to study

🔬 Findings:

• Confirms and expands on the 2013 study.
• Reinforces that early sterilization (before 12 months) increases the risk of:
  • Joint disorders, especially in Golden Retrievers.
  • Cancer prevalence, including hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma.
• Breed-specific results: Golden Retrievers show stronger negative associations than many other breeds.

3. Waters et al., Purdue University – Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation (2009–2015)

Study focus: Longevity and causes of death in intact vs. sterilized Golden Retrievers.

🔬 Findings:

• Intact dogs lived longer on average.
• Sterilized dogs had increased cancer-related deaths, particularly hemangiosarcoma and osteosarcoma.
• Emphasized the importance of sex hormones in disease protection and aging.

📍 Summarized in: Morris Animal Foundation Golden Retriever Lifetime Study

4. Hoffman et al., Veterinary Journal (2013)

Title: “Effects of age at gonadectomy on health and behavior in dogs”

🔬 Findings:

• Dogs neutered before 6 months had a significantly increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
• Early sterilization is linked to an increased risk of cancer in large breeds like Golden Retrievers.
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National Golden Retriever Council (Australia)

• Key Findings:
  • Early-Neutered Males: Three times more likely to be diagnosed with lymphosarcoma than intact males.
  • Late-Spayed Females: Significantly more likely to develop hemangiosarcoma and mast cell tumors than intact females.
• Conclusion: According to the National Golden Retriever Council both early and late neutering in Golden Retrievers are associated with increased risks of specific cancers.

Recommendation:

For Golden Retrievers, delaying spay/neuter until after 12–18 months may significantly reduce the risk of both orthopedic disorders and certain life-threatening cancers.

The Bottom Line

Golden Retrievers are slow-maturing, large-breed dogs, and giving them time to develop fully before spaying or neutering can protect their long-term health. Multiple studies have shown that there are pros and cons to spaying or neutering your golden retriever, and you will need to make a decision based on what you feel is best for your dog and your lifestyle. By waiting until around 18–24 months, we believe you’re giving your dog the best foundation for a healthy and active life.

Considering a Golden Retriever Puppy in Colorado?

If you want to add a Golden Retriever to your family, consider adopting from a reputable breeder like Golden Crest Retrievers in Colorado. They are dedicated to raising healthy, well-socialized puppies and can provide guidance on best practices for your new companion’s care.

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