Hi gang.... I know I am asking a little early but want to always be informed about what is best for Piper's future so I try to get info early rather than too late.

I know there are so many differeing opinions but would be interested in the ones here that have dealt with this breed for years.

I will eventually have Piper spayed as I won't be raising any puppies so I don't want to endure the heat cycles because she will be my little traveling partner on my bike.

I have always been told by vets and others that it is best to spay at 6 months. So I always have and haven't really had any problems with any of the dogs except my Doberman Pinscher whom I also had spayed at 6 months. She seems to have a problem with a little incontinance or leaking at night when she is sleeping. I found information on this with Dobermans after the fact. She is now 5 years old. I now read that it is better to let them go thru their 1st heat to help avoid that problem and then on the other hand you have some vets that recommend not waiting because it can cause chances with a type of breast cancer. Soooooooo!!!

Since I am new to Min Pins I need to know some thoughts on what is best for them... It will definitely not be near as bad with a little min pin in heat compared to a big dog but what is best health wise?

Thanks for any ideas and help in making this decision.

Pipers mom

size makes no difference when it comes to difficulty and heat cycles. A female in season is a female in season.
Having her spayed at 6 months avoids this issues all together. Mine that have not been bred were spayed at 5 to 6 months with no ill effects or health issues.

__________________
Man is not the caretaker of mother earth but only one of the many species of animals that share her bounty.
http://blackhawkkennels.webs.com/

Thanks Yogi, what seems to be the average age that the min pins come into their first heat?

same on average as all dogs, around 6 to 8 months. Breeds are no different when it comes to average age and cycle. On occasion in any breed it is not uncommon for a bitch to come into season at odd times such as once a year.
One of mine went for over a year before coming into season, several times.
Others can come into season and just when you think they are out, another bitch in season can cause them to come back in or the presents of an intact male can cause them to come back in. I had one bitch come back into season 8 weeks after she delivered.

__________________
Man is not the caretaker of mother earth but only one of the many species of animals that share her bounty.
http://blackhawkkennels.webs.com/

Yogi is correct.
I also feel that 6 months is fine. I dont believe in doing it younger though. I have heard many times of a bladder being 'nicked' during the surgery causing some issues later, but this will remain a risk for any breed during a spay procedure.