The best age to spay a dog varies depending on the breed and size of the dog. While it used to be common practice to spay or neuter dogs between four to six months, recent studies suggest that the right time for the surgery depends on the dog’s size and breed. Different dogs mature at different ages, and large dogs tend to reach sexual maturity much later than small and medium-sized dogs. Here are some general guidelines for when to spay or neuter a dog based on size and sex:

• For small dogs (22 pounds or less), females should be spayed before their first heat, which is around five to six months old and males at around six months.
• For medium-sized dogs (between 23 and 57 pounds), females should be spayed at around six months and males at around seven months.
• For large dogs (between 58 and 99 pounds), females should be spayed at around seven months and males at around nine months.
• For giant dogs (over 100 pounds), females should be spayed at around 12 months and males at around 14 months.

Its important to note that some vets recommend delaying spay and neuter surgeries until the pet reaches maturity, especially for larger dogs. Recent studies have linked early spay and neuter to a bevy of health risks, including increased incidence of cranial cruciate ligament disease, joint disorders, and some cancers. Therefore, its best to discuss in detail with your vet, who can help you identify any potential medical concerns in the future that could be impacted by an early spay.