
Well done Shazza. You may find it best when you do decide to mate her when she is old enough to go to an expereinced stud dog and owner.
This way at least two of the parties (stud dog and his owner)involved will be knowledgeable about the mating process which with such large dogs can be far from straightforward, and definately at least a two person job.
This will then allow you to have a better idea if and when your own male may be used at stud.
As has been said the chances of your own dog being the ideal mate for your bitch is not that likely.
I ahve recently had a male I bred be used at stud at my house with two bitches. On paper he would make a good mate for my youngest when I plan to mate her in the Autumn, but unfortunately they have a tndencey to the same failing so are not a good match in themselves.
Instead I will be using a male that Lives in Sunderland when I am in Bristol. It would have been so easy to just use the dog I have bred who lives reasonably close by, especially as I am not keeping a puppy from ehr first litter.
The reason I won't is that my aim is to aim to produce puppies that will be as near to the standard as possible, and that means at least ensuring the mates do not hve similar failings or faults.