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've got a 4 yo anatolian mix shepard that's the same way, he won't even bark at people unless I tell him to, or a strangerr gets close to me. He loves people, especially children, but animals, forgettaboutit. As soon as he hit maturity all dogs and other animals must submit or it's a fight. He does "RELEASE" upon command and a tap on his haunches though. He's a good obedient boy.
We had a GSD when I was a kid too. She was SWEET as could be with us, and most strangers (if we were there). However, she tried to bite 1 child that. He was giving my brother birthday spankings, and I'm sure she thought he was attacking her child. It surprised us because she was normally SO EASY GOING! After that we kept her away from other people's children. I have no idea if this is typical of the breed as she is the only one I've ever had.
susie