This is my understanding as well Brigitte, early neutering promotes growth/size and has no negative impact on bone development.Studies tend to show early neutering results in more growth, in males the production of the male hormones closes the growth plates. Some breeders hence advocate late neutering with the idea that this results in stronger bones...as they worry that leaving the growth plates open longer in the case of early neutering might lead to longer weaker bones. I don't think there are any studies showing bone weakness with early neutering though...