Had a GSD that I trained personally and while he wasn't professional level protector, there is no way someone would think to enter our house. Yet he was great with the kids and they came along after we had him. Was a little worried about his reaction to a baby in the house, but from the first day we brought my oldest home he bonded with her.

Currently we have a true pet that while large I don't think would protect me for anything. Maybe my Daughters...maybe. But we got him at 7 years old and as a Goldendoodle he just isn't wired the same as our Shephard was. Plus he was raised to be calm as he was owned by 80+ year olds. But he is a great dog and I can walk him without a leash and never think twice about it.

BTW, Wanted to let you know that @viking-ventures featured you in their entry post to the Pay It Forward Curation Contest and that is how I found you.