i feel that if i were in your situation, i would definately want to raise my own puppy also! if you do decide to do that, i can't stress enough that socializing and training is SO important, even from day one, but i'm sure you already know that ha ha! i've always had good luck with the good puppy training, where from day one i've held them on their backs, petted them, very carefully tilted them from side to side and front to back to build their trust and acceptance from day one. how long dogs live have a lot to do with their breeding, and how well they're taken care of. genetic disorders can be inherited from the parents, just like with people. GSMD's should be watched for problems that are a problem in the breed. cancer, HD, ED, sub-aortic stenosis, autoimmune diseases, skin and coat problems, thyroid disorders and eye disorders (PRA, cataracts, ectropian and entropion) are things breeders are trying to work on in this breed. if your puppy has good breeding, and is taken great care of in that they get vet care, great nutrition and exercise, there's no reason why your dog couldn't possibly live longer than the average life span that has been recorded for the breed. as far as them being eager to please, the ones i've met were GREAT dogs, and so very willing to learn and make you happy. i've met a few and they were very smart, and learned what we expected of them very quickly, although naturally adolescent dogs can be a pain in the butt sometimes ha ha. just like kids, dogs go through a "teenage" period where they will try you and their limits. the breed standard itself says "Bold, faithful, willing worker. Alert and vigilant. Shyness or aggressiveness shall be severely penalized." hope this helps you some!