Breeding a 9-month-old Saint Bernard is not recommended. At this age, while a Saint Bernard may have reached sexual maturity, their physical development is still incomplete. Breeding them prematurely can negatively impact their health and the health and quality of their offspring.
It's crucial to understand that a 9-month-old Saint Bernard is not ready for breeding. Although they may experience their first heat cycle, this signifies sexual maturity, not full physical maturity. Their bodies, including their skeletal structure, are still developing. Breeding them at this stage is unsuitable. Generally, it's advisable to wait until a Saint Bernard is at least 12 months old, ideally during their second heat cycle, before considering breeding. By this point, their skeletal development is more complete, reducing the risk of complications like difficult births due to a narrow pelvis.
Furthermore, it’s best not to breed a female dog immediately at the onset of her heat cycle. Instead, wait about a week after the start of the heat, as this is typically when she's ovulating, maximizing the chances of successful conception. To further improve the chances of pregnancy, it’s common to breed twice, with a two-day interval between breedings. If your dog exhibits signs such as decreased appetite, lethargy, and gradually enlarged mammary glands post-breeding, these are good indicators that she has conceived. At this point, ensure you provide her with adequate nutrition to support healthy fetal development.