Breeding an 8-month-old Springer Spaniel is generally not recommended. While your Springer might be sexually mature at this age, they are not yet physically mature. This means their bodies haven't fully developed, making them unsuitable for breeding. Attempting to breed too early can negatively affect the dog's health and potentially impact the health and quality of any offspring.
It's crucial to understand that sexual maturity doesn't equal physical maturity. At 8 months, a Springer Spaniel has only reached the point where they are capable of reproducing, but their skeletal structure and overall body development are still in progress. Breeding at this stage is risky. Ideally, it's best to wait until the Springer is around 12 months old, usually during their second heat cycle, before considering breeding. By this age, their bone structure is more developed, which can help to prevent issues like difficult births due to a narrow pelvis.
Furthermore, even when a female Springer has her first heat, it’s advisable to wait about a week into her cycle before attempting breeding. This timing coincides with the ovulation period, which increases the chances of successful conception. For optimal results, it is usually recommended to attempt breeding twice, with a two-day interval between attempts. If your Springer is pregnant, you may observe symptoms such as decreased appetite, increased sleepiness, and gradual enlargement of the mammary glands. At this stage, a balanced and nutritious diet is crucial to support the healthy development of the puppies.