As a veterinarian, I wrestle with the pet overpopulation problem on a daily basis. In my practice area, the local shelter receives over 10,000 animals a year. They do adopt out many pets to good homes, but many more are euthanized. The only way to stem the tide of unwanted dogs and cats is to better educate the pet owning public, and for pet owners to take the responsibility of spaying or neutering their animals. We issue a blanket recommendation to all our clients to have their dogs neutered.
Lets take a look at some of the common misconceptions about spaying and neutering.
The obvious, and most important reason to neuter a pet is population control. The misguided owners who plan on breeding their dog so that friends and neighbors can have a puppy fail to realize one critical thing. Every new puppy that is born and receives a good home takes a potential home away from an unwanted puppy that is already alive. If your neighbor wants a puppy, send them to the local shelter to see what is available. Neutering in no way changes an animal's temperament, nor does it diminish a field dog's hunting ability or potential.