Sure, get one of these.
I had a German Shepherd as a child too, and he was very protective of our family. Now that we have a young one I'd like to have another dog that I know will be protective, but not attack the child? Is that possible?
Sure, get one of these.
WE have had a female German Shepard for about 8 years. This dog has been almost perfect, no problem with our four kids or anyone who comes to visit. She did kill every chicken in the yard (the chickens belonged in the coop, those who refused to stay in the coop died). Cats who don't submit to her authority die. Sometimes I wish she was more agressive with strangers but she is friendly with everyone. She is a smart dog, doesn't chase cars on the road like the previous dogs we had.
One thing she did have a fit about was our roadside mailbox after the school bus backed into it. It was at an odd angle, our dog noticed something wasn't right and barked and barked at it until I straightened it up.
I don't know. My father had a German Shepperd when he was young, but one year it turned on them and they put it down.
I had a yellow lab, which is considered a very peaceful breed. But it was very hyper and it bit me once. We got rid of it because we had young kids.
I also had some dogs, that I played too rough with, when they were young.
I think with kids, it's better to go small, beagle size or less. But the most important thing is to keep in perspective, that it's a dog. And if it shows signs of being agressive, you don't take the chance.
Collies and Shelties are wonderful breeds.
We had collies when I was a child, and they would actually "herd" us off the road and back into our yard.
Both breeds are very smart and protective, and extremely gentle.
One dog you can't go wrong with is a golden retriever.
Now that we have a young one I'd like to have another dog that I know will be protective, but not attack the child? Is that possible?
Try an Irish wolfhound from a good kennel.
There is a reason that men once fought wars over possession of wolfhounds. The part of the Icelandic Sage of Nial about the transfer of such a dog between two Vikings is both accurate and evocative.
I didn't believe the historic records until my first one demonstrated the behavior described in the Saga of Nial.
When my kids were small I got a collie to keep an eye on them. They are very loyal and protective of the children (and the whole family actually). Their decent size makes them a deterrent to strangers and they can stand up to kid's play and rough-housing with them a bit. The coat requires alot of care, but once a month to the groomer will take care of that. If you get a female they don't have as much of a "mane" as the males do. I think herding dogs are very good for families with children.
Get a Lab. The best dogs around for children.