I think it probably depends on the dog. And while most will probably be fine, some wonāt and I feel like they need the hormones to grow just like we do. I think thereās also a lot more research out now where there wasnāt before. Not every vet is necessarily up to date though. Mine recommended no later than 6 months because heās a pit bull (mix but still). Not really sure why. But I didnāt. I waited until after 2 years.Hmm. I neutered my male Golden before 6 months old, he lived a long healthy life to the age of 15. I had my female Sheltie spayed before her first heat and she lived a healthy life until age 13 when I had to have her put down due to arthritis. I believe those are pretty much average ages for those breeds. I don't think they would have lived much longer if they had been intact, although Gracie may have lasted a little longer if we lived in a ranch style home rather than one with steep stairs.