We have a small dog, it’s a mutt. But good dog, terrible watch dog. Won’t move in middle of night for nothing.

I have always wanted a traditional German shepherd. I had a Doberman as a kid, it was a great dog.
I had a lab when I was younger, good dog but chewed all things leather.

Considering a Pyrenees. German Shepherd, maybe Doberman or Rottweiler.

Thoughts on purebred dog breeds mentioned. Main consideration is a good guard dog that won’t sleep through everything.

Great Pyrenees, If I knew the dog wouldn't outlive me I would have another in a heart.

Miss ya Momo

Irish Wolfhound and don't look back. They are excellent watch dogs and family friendly. They can be excellent hunting dogs. They are also excellent guard dogs if things get sideways. They are big & strong, gentle & quiet.

Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked. That's their old saying, and I like having some things in common with my pals. Best dogs I've ever had. I can't stand a yapping dog. When my Wolfhounds barked there was a reason for it and that reason needs your attention ASAP.

Dogo. Great all-around dog. Loyal and protective, but great with the family. Do some research to find out if it’s right for you, but they’re hard to beat for what it sounds like you want.

My next will be a Mal.

Let us know how that works out for ya...

Do you have any experience with the breed?

Unless you have a specific need and job for the dog to do every single day do not get a Malinois. They will literally bite you constantly and destroy everything you own unless you can provide a strict training regimen and give them stimulating tasks and jobs everyday.

They are pretty much the coolest dog on planet Earth but not for the average family or even above average family.

Gonna have to disagree pard. Some old pig hunting buddies of mine raised them. They are very loyal but sometimes over protective. One almost got my face when I was trying to feed his owner a plate of breakfast before a pig hunt. Big dog damn sure got my attention, was real close. Luckily his owner was paying attention and pulled him back. It was blamed on my beard since I was working in the Middle East, and everyone else was clean shaven.

We have 3 purebreds German Shepherds, great dogs

1 female stays inside, nobody would walk in our house uninvited with her around.

German Shepherds great all around dogs, Akita maybe?

I told you they’re good dogs. They don’t like terrorists!

My German Shepherd is two years old. He's the first one I've ever had. Best dog out of all the breeds I've had, which is several. He's a watch dog, great with my family, and is extremely loyal to me. He goes where I go. He minds very well, he is quite smart and very athletic.

This or a lab.

Rescue is my favorite breed. We have a pit mix and a lab/shepherd mix. Both are great dogs. The lab/shepherd mix is a retrieving fool. The shepherd in her makes her weary of strangers. Both are great with our grandkids.

Makes my wife very comfortable sitting at home with both dogs.

The extreme large dogs have a shorter life span and often have hip problems years before they pass. Pyrenees is one of the most loving family dogs I’ve ever been around though. They hate other animals, at least in my experience they do. My best dogs have been mutts.

Dad has pyrennes on his farm and loves them. Best watch dogs

Get a Beagle. They love kids and lick intruders to death.

German Shepherd, my grandmother has a 3 year old female, she licks the people she knows and growls at any stranger. She's held one or two delivery drivers hostage in their truck

But she's great with kids, start scratching her and she lays down on her back so you can scratch her belly.

Do not listen to this man! (RIP Whiskey River Thunder.)

You’re going to retire so you’ll need something to do get a JRTerrorist

Doberman is my vote.

If you can live with the 24/7 shedding we sure love our German Shepherds!

You might really research the dog first. They call them Maligators for a reason. Sons a K9 handler. They need constant training and work. Constant!

All the blue healers ive seen have been great for what you describe. If i was looking for a dog for the purpose then i would probably look at a healer or shepherd.

As far as making noise when someone comes our weiner dogs were always like a little barking nipping mob when someone came on the property; however, they don't command much respect or fear.

Gotta throw the Boxer in there. I have owned many dogs and many breeds. This is only breed I will own again.
Very gentle and loving. Super loyal. Very intelligent. SHORT HAIR! Intimidating looking. Great watch dogs.
Good indoors and out. If you can train them they can do it.

Need exercise daily. Need attention. Short faced, some handle heat better than others.

My big male still loves to get in my chair and lay in my lap. Chair ain’t hardly big enough for us both, and he is heavy.
He is young. I may not survive it when his time comes.

Whatever you choose just give them the time, attention, and love they deserve. You will be repaid a thousand times.
Their life goes as you do for them.

Good luck.