> I’m a responsible dog owner. My Border Collie won’t neutered until he is one, and maybe not then. Neutering a male changes when the bone growth plates stop growing at 8-10 months. Neutering before then may contribute to hip problems.
My German Shepherds neuter on a similar schedule and basis, for similar reasons.
> Also, some males become more timid after neutering. I’ve owned unneutered males who were never bred.
For a Border Collie I wouldn’t have thought you’d want a particularly aggressive dog: they’re smart enough to get into plenty of mischief as it is. They’re lovely dogs and would be my personal favorites after German Shepherds. Never yet owned a Border Collie, maybe one day.
Border Collies are fine dogs, but typically are shy by nature. About half the folks I’ve talked to say neutering has no impact, and about half say it makes them more shy. My male is pretty shy already.
They are fine dogs. A good one can make a fine pet if you have time to be with them. They do terrible if left at home alone. If you ever get serious about getting one, read up here: http://www.bordercollie.org/core.html
We thought about getting a GSD, but missed our previous Border Collie. My pound mutt is part German Shepherd.