Because by then they should be hormonally mature even if not fully structurally mature. I don't read much research - I follow experience !
Ideally, not at all, but if they MUST be spayed, then let them grow up first.
Kathy, I sure didn't mean to indicate it isn't a godsend or fantastic! Of course it is. I just meantā¦ well as the Arabs say, Trust in G-d but tie your camel. Get the testing, use it to help guide breeding, retest if necessary, but keep doing the strip test. It's an easy if annoying process that protects your dog against testing errors or human errors.
I know that quality breeders will keep the lines as strong as possible while making sure the pups are not affected. Really, that is all anyone can ask.
My first thought was "Great! None of her dogs will develop Fanconi." But as a non-breeder I forget that the carrier status complicates your life when it comes to making breeding decisions. Good luck and I really applaud all of you breeders who care because we all know that there are those who don't care and therefore refuse to find out
Thank you for all the information. I am going to a dog show in Springfield, Illinois next weekend to meet some dogs from Meiterhaus (Tad Brooks). This makes me feel alot more comfortable. š
