Yeah, German Shepherds are great dogs and deserve to be on the list.
But Rottweilers are fiercely loyal and protective of their family, and actually more intimidating than a Doberman. The one we had, his previous owner said people would ask if he was a Doberman on steroids. :D
I used to have a pair of smooth collies (blue merle) that ware genetic freaks, in that the LIGHT one was 100 lbs. The bruiser was 130+, but both were the sweetest, gentlest critters you ever did see.
That is, until you presented a threat to any human, dog, cat or other resident or guest in my home.
They literally tore a rotty apart when it went after my shelty cross at the dog park. The rotty had to be put down, and its owner paid a rather significant fine to boot!
We were interested in having the big boy as a therapy dog, due to his unflappable sweetness, but he failed the temperament test when the vet simulated aggression towards the dog’s handler.
It’s kinda funny, in that the vet had to go home, as the dog told him in NO uncertain terms that aggression towards HIS people will NOT be tolerated EVER.
No bites, no nipping, just a VERY FIRM assertion of “This is NOT going to happen.
I am PROUD to this day of how Pollux acted there.
I honestly hope that the testing parameters have changed since then, as he was the single greatest comfort to my tenant, and my friend’s daughter.
It’s something else to watch an 80 pound girl walking up the street with 240 lbs of dog in hand under leash, and the child is in complete control.
DAng, I miss those boys. Only been gone 5 and 7 years, but they were unique.