The Social Behaviour of Neutered Male Dogs Compared to Intact Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris): Video Analyses, Questionnaires and Case Studies

Abstract

Introduction: Gonadectomy is a regularly performed procedure in domestic dogs. Apart from
preventing reproduction, neutering is also conducted for reasons of health and to change or
remove undesirable behaviour. From the ethological perspective, castration may have a
negative impact on the social behaviour of male dogs.
Objectives: The question to be answered is whether there are differences in certain behaviours
between neutered and intact male dogs and to gain further insight into the effects of neutering
on a male dog’s behaviour by comparing the social behaviour of neutered and intact animals in
an observational part as well as by evaluating questionnaires submitted by dog owners.
Methods: Using video recordings from Germany and Switzerland of six groups of dogs,
consisting of 18 intact and 16 neutered males in total, the social behaviour of the dogs was
analyzed. Specific behaviours were compared between the castrated and intact males and
statistically analyzed. Furthermore, 29 questionnaires based on the studies conducted by Turcsán
et al on 104 dogs and their dog owners have been incorporated into this study. Additionally, 54
case studies from our consultancy were evaluated.
Results: Significant differences were found in patterns of behaviour such as smelling and
licking the genital area, chin rest, tooth chatter and molesting other dogs (Mann-Whitney-UTest, U=382.000, p=0.001, when analysed in frequencies; Randomization test for ‘molesting’,
F=13.044; p=0.001, when analysed for its duration ). Also, the non-castrated males show more
behaviour indicating high status. The results of the questionnaires indicate a trend that neutered
males react emotionally more unstable in stressful situations and the case studies show a
tendency for aggressive behaviour and fear to be more frequent in castrated dogs.
Conclusion: Our results support the assumption that castration may have a negative influence
on the behaviour of male dogs. Neutered dogs may gain attractiveness for intact dogs which
can lead to a high stress factor for the castrates. Accordingly, dog owners should be aware of
the consequences for the dog.