Neutering

Question
When is the proper time to neuter a standard poodle?
Books seem to recommend to do so when they are mature.
Haven't seen an age reference.

Answer
Hey There Spike,
I have heard breeders, "professional behaviorists" and even Vets say that you can neuter as young as 8 weeks and as old as 8+ yrs old.  Maturity tends to play a part and that can differ from dog to dog.  Most dogs will start to settle down around 1-2 yrs of age, but I would neuter even earlier than that.  You want to keep bad habits from forming if you don't want the marking, dominance, or higher sex drive.  I tend to neuter any dogs I am not breeding around 4-6 months so as to help avoid the above mentioned habits.  Some people say that you want to wait to let them develop more, but unlike a Stallion horse, they don't lose anything (other than the obivious) when you neuter them before maturity.  What it does do is to prevent the testostrone from causing them to become more aggressive, dominate and sexually alert, which can lead to unwanted behavior.  
You might also ask your Vet because some of them have recommendations or preferences, but as to my opinion, I would neuter around 4-6 months.  

I hope this helps you some.  If you have other questions for me, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim