Both of my dogs were kept intact a bit longer than "normal", so maybe that is why they haven't had real issues with weight gain. Gusto is still a bundle of bones and muscle without an ounce of fat. Meg was in hard condition for a lot of years. She's not quite as fit now, and is maybe a pound heavier, but she's also nearly 8 and a bit less active than she used to be. I've known obese intact dogs, lean neutered dogs, and everything in between. I definitely think they burn more calories when intact, and of course male hormones in particular promote more muscle mass. I wouldn't use it as a sole reason to keep a dog intact (not that anyone here said that), because I know I can manage their weight/fitness other ways as well.
I agree that intact dogs get a lot of bad behavior blamed on their status, but I get equally frustrated by those who claim it has *zero* affect on behavior. Of course hormones affect behavior. I can give you a visual demonstration every four weeks or so . Or you are welcome to come visit Tristan, who is currently on anabolic steroids - basically male hormones. My delightful, sweet "I'd give a 6 year old this lead rope and know they are safe" horse now gets a shank for handling, has to go only in a certain paddock, and I can safely lead him to the hay meadow for grazing maybe 2 times out of 5. The other times I have a horse putting his front feet in my face.
Particularly with late neuters, some dogs may already have learned behaviors that aren't going to go away without work. And some dogs may just be jerks regardless of hormone status.
I agree that intact dogs get a lot of bad behavior blamed on their status, but I get equally frustrated by those who claim it has *zero* affect on behavior. Of course hormones affect behavior. I can give you a visual demonstration every four weeks or so . Or you are welcome to come visit Tristan, who is currently on anabolic steroids - basically male hormones. My delightful, sweet "I'd give a 6 year old this lead rope and know they are safe" horse now gets a shank for handling, has to go only in a certain paddock, and I can safely lead him to the hay meadow for grazing maybe 2 times out of 5. The other times I have a horse putting his front feet in my face.
Particularly with late neuters, some dogs may already have learned behaviors that aren't going to go away without work. And some dogs may just be jerks regardless of hormone status.