Yes - I love my pups. They give me great joy. I am very glad to know that you and your wife are experienced with dogs. It makes me feel a great deal better. So many times of this board we get posts from people that are looking to get a dog and breed it to make some extra money. It makes my blood boil.

I have to disagree (respectively of course) about allowing a dog to have one litter for health reasons. Recent veterinary studies have proven that spaying before the first heat is healthier for the animal. Dr. Dick Rosebrock wrote a great article about it. Here is the website:

http://www.danesonline.com/earlyspayneuter.htm

Whatever you decide - I wish you the best of luck! And you are right - Shelties are wonderful dogs.