well, if you like puppies, then you should pick maltese dogs. they are sooooo cute.

I have to say that after all the dogs I had growing up and as an adult, our Border Collies have got to be the best. Not only are they loyal and sweet, they are very smart. They know exactly what we are saying each and everytime. There is no way I would own any other breed of a dog...

I am somewhat biased but the only choice for a all around ,intelligent, obedient, gutsy, dog is hands down a chow. if i was still living in the country a chow would be a priority.we had one that 'stood off' a pit bulldog in defense of a neighborhood kid.

I had a Golden Retriever who was the most loving creature I have ever known, she would have been protective if anyone had ever tried to hurt us but basically I don't think she was a good watchdog because she loved everyone. A relative has an English Mastiff...try searching web sites about them, their temperament is very amazing (if you like a very large dog), Their history goes back further than most, they were owned by Kings and Noblemen in England hundreds of years ago, they are gentle and sweet to their family and friends but always on alert for danger, if they spot someone they don't trust they won't turn mean (unless absolutely unavoidable), but will place themselves between that person and "their" person. They're not for everyone because they are very large but they are not hyper dogs that need to run and move all the time either (there is another Mastiff that has a bad rep for turning mean, that is not the English).

The only answer to this question is... German Shepherd, great with kids in the family (very patient), very protective, but still oh so lovable towards their family, easy to train (if not done in a cruel manner) and highly intelligent. You gotta love them

There are several breeds that have been bred for generations to fulfill the needs you are seeking in a dog (German Shepard,Rottweiler-we have one and he is a big mushball to us but is very protective of our two yr old son and is nice to have around as my hubby works nites and other breeds) My best advice would be not to get "stuck" on one breed. Do some research and think about what you really want in a dog. Also, think about how much time you have to spend working with the dog. No matter what breed of dog you get, it will not automatically behave the way other dogs of that breed behave. You would have to start with Basic Obedience Class (one of our dogs has been,the other is currently attending) and go from there. If you get a puppy and not an adult dog, puppy classes are offered like manners and puppy kindergarten. But keep in mind, no matter how many classes you go to or how often, it will be a waste of time and effort if you do not practice,practice,practice at home the techniques you have learned in classes. Also, when you DO decide what breed you want, take some type picking out the individual dog you want. I am not trying to preach,but we foster dogs from the local animal shelter and ones that have been abandoned/neglected and a lot of times the dog is not with the original owner becuase either the dog did not act up to expected behavior or the dog turned out to be too much work. If you are a couch potato, do not pick the most hyper puppy of the bunch, if you like to be active, do not pick one that appears lazy, etc. If you go to a breeder, tell them exactly what kind of personality you are looking for, what you would ideally expect the dogs behavior to be (with training),etc. If you decide to go with a rescue, either breed specific or an animal shelter, ask the workers/volunteers the same things. And most importantly, do not visit a facility once and make a decision as many factors can contribute to behavior. You could go one day and think a puppy is lazy and the only reason it is laying around is because it has been playing all day. Or vice versa, maybe it is hyper because it has slept all day. Go at least three times would be my recommendation. You want to make sure you get what you want and it is a perfect match because when you get a pet it is a commitment for life,not just a passing phase. I know this might not have been the answer you were looking for and I am not trying to discourage you from getting a dog, I just want both you and the dog to be happy if you do get one. GOOD LUCK