Based on the information my vet told me, it is smart to neuter around 6 months. She told me that 6 months is usually the turning point for when a dog is considered an adult among other dogs, and also when they hit puberty (and most of the bad behaviors start, although every dog is different). However, I don't think there are harmful side effects if you choose to do it earlier than 6 months because the humane society that I volunteer at neuters/spays at 8 weeks. The information I've been given (which I know is somewhat contested) is that dogs that are neutered before maturity (usually 6 mo.), tend to grow a little taller and lankier due to a lack of testosterone. Testosterone is the hormone which prompts the closing of the growth plates, so dogs that are neutered later tend to be stockier and well-muscled. So I'm going to try and wait until Spinx is a year old so he will fill out a bit more. The key word is try, because if he starts marking up the house, his balls will be gone faster than you can snap your finger. I think I'll be able to deal with the other behaviors like humping, etc...
