I want to commend you, that is very well planned and mature. There are a lot of people who would have argued that they know better and they're the next Leerburg no matter WHAT anyone says... They are often the ones you will read about in the "cons" section of this site. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

My next dog, a puppy due in the fall, is my FIRST shepherd (I have had malinois so far) and also a learning dog. Like you, I have done all I can to choose a breeder and a litter that I hope will reward me with a breedworthy dog after several years of development and training HOPEFULLY. But I'm buying this pup first and foremost as a companion and protector, as well as sporting partner and intro to the world of the registered dog (if you know anything about mals, it's that they're AWESOME but pedigrees pretty well meaningless with them). If, after everything, he's breedworthy then maybe he'll also be my introduction to breeding. But if not, that was never my priority.

You have the potential to go far. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Just keep your head in it and your heart out of it (easier said than done) and you won't go wrong. Oh, and as far as preventing unwanted pregnancies, it really isn't THAT hard. Just keep her inside, crated if you have to, for those few receptive weeks and you'll be fine. It really is in her best interest if you want to be at all serious in this dog thing. By the way, if you think managing an intact female is inconvenient and maybe not for you, then don't have a litter of puppies!!!! They're about 500 times worse mess/work. Haha! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />