I am uncertain as to whether I should have my dog spayed. I will be getting
a miniature female poodle in a few weeks. I don't have any other dogs and I
don't plan to have her around other dogs so there isn't much chance of her
becoming pregnant. Is it true that spaying reduces mammary cancer? I would
like to know some good reasons not to spay.

It is true, or so we are told, that it can reduce the chance of a mammary tumour but I would rather keep a watch for that and keep my bitches intact for as long as I can. There are lots of pros and cons but you have lots of time to think about it don't be talked into having her spayed until she has had at least one season and is fully mature. I would leave it until after her forth season. Speak to the breeder and other people in the breed and see what changes to coat, temperment and weight you can expect if you do spay. Jackie H