We decided on...

a blue male puppy!
A LOT of discussion and thought went into it, and although we were set on a (blue) female, we decided to go with the Male. We are a little worried we might end up with a huge 200 pounder, but we're happy with the decision. The breeder said after we told her that we will be happy with either, but that it will be a little more work (training) with a male. We knew that before picking, and since we are taking him to puppy school and then "1st grade" obedience classes, as well as our own training, we are confident we'll have a dog as gorgeous as his father, Malakai. Maybe even more well behaved.

Now name picking.... we've been calling our dog maggie for so long now it's hard to think of something new - we're leaning towards "Echo" right now. That could change anytime of course. I'm also liking Gonzo (like the muppets character)!