I would definitely speak to your vet about all your concerns about
growth, and any other problems. As you can see you are going
to get different opinions. Maybe health studies have changed?

A few years back, I discussed my concerns with two different vets,
my males breeder who is a vet tech. and asked questions from
a Veternary web site. I have no qualms about neutering a
male large breed dog by 7 months or to spay a female dog before her first heat.