Dr. Anukarna Singh
Hi, you can keep them together and let them mate occasionally but make sure the pups are from different parents and should not be related. The female should not be mated before 1.5 years of age, as it would be very stressful for her. Managing a male dog in the house with female in estrus can be difficult sometimes so you'll have to be prepared for that. Out of the two you can get the male neutered after a few matings, male surgery is less invasive as compared to spaying.