I don' t have an upland dog but I have a black male lab that I will use this year for hunting, and he is neutered. I don' t think it matters at all. I think it actually helps them, especially for the male dogs. All of the other male dogs I train with lift their legs at least 2-3 times each retrieve. Mine never does that.

And not all neutered dogs gain weight. Our dog is free fed and never over eats. He is carrying alot less weight at only 65 lbs. and it is alot healthier for him. He still loves to pick up ducks and goes just as hard.

BTW, he was neutered before he was trained.

FWIW

CJW