There is no denying that a Boxer (or any breed) puppy is absolutely precious, untainted by a world of neglectful, non caring or loving people. I can smell the puppy breath, believe me! Do you know that theoretically, one unspayed female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in 6 years? Do you know that approximately 6-8 million dogs and cats enter this countries approximately 5,000 shelters each year? Of those, 1/2 will be euthanized.
I'll be the first to stand behind a reputable breeder that #1 Checks the health and genetics of the dogs he/she is breeding #2 Sells the litter before it is bred #3 Does the background check on possible buyers that we do on pending adoptive families of our rescues #4 Attaches spay/neuter clauses on his sold puppies and #5 Accepts his dog back from the buyer without any questions asked.
You may think that the 3-4 million dogs and cats that are euthanized in our countries shelters each year were "born in the street". Not so. Often they are the offspring of cherished family pets, even purebreds. Spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100% effective method of birth control. Spaying and neutering also allows you to enjoy your pet more....no more heat cycle and no more pushy male suitors!
Two excellent reasons to spay and neuter your pets!
1. Spaying your female dog before her first cycle greatly reduces her chances of developing breast cancer and uterine infections. Neutering your male dog prevents testicular tumors and my prevent prostate problems. Neutering also decreases the possibility of perianal tumors and hernias which are commonly observed in older, unaltered dogs. Neutered dogs are also less likely to develop negative behaviors such as aggression ,urinary marking and the urge to roam.
2. Although pet behavioral problems are often a reason that animals are taken to shelters, many animals we shelter are a result of accidental breeding by free-roaming, unaltered pets. The more pets that area spayed or neutered, the fewer animals will have to be destroyed.
Some facts and myths:
Myth: My pet will get fat and lazy.
Fact: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don't give them enough excercis.
Myth: It's better to have one litter first
Fact: NO! Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Many veterinarians now sterilize dogs as young as 8 weeks. My vet recommends 4 months for females and 7 months for males. Speak to your veterinarian about the proper time.
Myth: But my pet is a purebred.
Fact: So is atleast one out of every four pets brought to animal shelters around the country.
Myth: I don't want my male dog to feel less of a male
Fact: Pets don't have any concept of saexual identity or ego. He doesn't suffer any kid of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered. I once had a man interested in a Drahthaar (German breed) at my local shelter. When I told him he had to be neutered before he could be adopted he screamed "But then he won't be able to hunt" I kindly told him they don't "hunt with them". Properly train your dog.
Myth: It's too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered.
Fact: The cost of spaying or neutering depends on the sex, size and age of your pet. Spay and neuter surgery is a one-time cost, a relatively small cost when compared to all the benefits. Check at your local humane society for low cost or free spay/neuter clinics.
HEALTH INFO
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