My current dogs were both spayed/neutered as soon as I got them from the shelter, Nanook was about 8 months, Raustyk was 6 months.

I like to wait as long as possible, that is for growth & hormone & overall health. Now what I prefer is to spay a female right before her first heat. As it is healthier for them before their first heat, it would be nice to wait a little longer, as they are ussually in heat about 6 months of age but better before than after.

Males I like to wait until they are 8-12 months, depending on the breed & behavioral issues though.

6 months is the youngest I like to see.

The shelters & vets have the thought of spaying/neutering at a younger age due to overpopulation reasons correct, but as far as their overall health goes I would like to see them wait until 6 months. Unfortunatly you owners can lie & say they won't breed but you don't know that for sue, so I gues I am undecided on that issue than.