Important Disclaimer
The information provided here is for general pet health education only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional veterinary advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.
- Species & breed
- Dog · Goldendoodle
- Age
- 4 months old
- Sex
- Male
- Color
- Red
That's a really understandable thing to wonder about, and it's actually more common than you might think!
The most likely explanation is a condition called cryptorchidism — which just means one or both testicles never descended (dropped down) into the normal position outside the body. In dogs, testicles develop inside the abdomen and typically move into their external position within the first few months of life. When that doesn't happen, the testicle (or both) stays hidden — either up in the belly or tucked somewhere along the path it was supposed to travel.
Here's what makes it easy to miss:
- The testicles are still there — they're just not where you'd expect to see or feel them.
- A vet can often confirm a dog is male through a physical exam, hormone testing, or imaging, even when nothing is visible externally.
- Some retained testicles are very small or located in a spot that's hard to notice without knowing what to look for.
This is also why your vet keeps noting he's male — they're likely seeing internal or subtle signs that confirm it, even if Louie looks "smooth" on the outside.
Why it matters beyond curiosity: Retained testicles carry a higher risk of certain health problems over time, including a significantly elevated chance of developing testicular tumors compared to normally descended testicles. They can also cause hormonal issues. Because of this, vets often recommend surgical removal of retained testicles — this is something worth having a direct conversation with your vet about if you haven't already.
A few things you can do right now:
- Ask your vet specifically: "Are one or both testicles retained, and where are they located?"
- Ask whether they recommend removal and what the timing would be.
- If Louie's age is unknown, your vet may be able to give a rough estimate, which can help with planning.
When to see your vet: If this hasn't been discussed in detail yet, bring it up at Louie's next visit — there's no emergency here, but it's worth a dedicated conversation. If you ever notice swelling in his belly, changes in behavior, or any lumps, schedule an appointment sooner rather than later.
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