Ralphy - presumably you ask because yu are considering it. It would help if you could tell us why you were considering it. If it's just routine and coz the vet says so - then think long and hard - it's irreversable
If it's for behavioural difficuloties, then tell us what they are - training may be the answer. If there's some other reason - lets see if there's another way
My boys are intact. I tried the chemical temporary castration on my boy to see if it would help with his hyperness and general lack of confidence and anxiety. The vet just said - oh we'll snip him then - I'm so glad we didn't as it made no difference to him at all.
The most common change in most dogs and especially cockers are to the coat. It will be virtually impossible to handstrip needing clipping every 8 weeks or so and go wooly and curly, although the curly look can be avoided if trimmed properly. It often makes them look old before their time and has a tendency to make their weight increase. Some become lethargic and as has already been said, overly soppy.
On the other hand, I know of a 3 year old golden boy near me and his brother. They've both been done and you wouldn't tell they were the same age at all. One looks about 10 and the other looks like a three year old and has kept a nice sleek coat. The other is like a sheep. The sleek coat is very unusual indeed - the sheep look is mored the norm unless you fimd someone who can trim a neutered coat well
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hth
