When considering when to spay or neuter your border collie, it's important to become well-informed on the latest information regarding both the potential benefits and risks associated with this procedure. Currently, studies indicate that spaying and neutering can decrease or eliminate the risk of developing certain cancers of the reproductive system. Recent studies are also focusing on the potential health risks of spaying or neutering which include the development of other cancers and long-term health issues.

One study researching 105 intact male, 85 neutered male, 88 intact female, and 121 spayed female border collies found that while this breed is not at higher risk of joint and bone illnesses due to altering, they are at greater risk of developing some types of cancers from spaying or neutering. This risk is made even greater if spaying or neutering occurs under the age of 12 months old. As such, informed veterinarians will often suggest waiting to spay or neuter your border collie until they are at least 1 year old.