Are all Aussies naturally protective?

Question
  Dear Matt,
I am absolutely in love with Australian Shepherds. I have a nine year old male who is my best friend. It's important for me to feel that my dog will protect me, my family, and my home. I often find myself wondering how he would react if an intruder entered our home or if someone tried to hurt me or my family. Would he attack the person and protect his "people" and "territory"? Are all dogs protective? Are all Australian Shepherds protective? He always alerts me when he hears a strange noise or sees anyone walk down the street. Also, he barks and chases people from behind our fence in the yard when they walk by. Furthermore, he barks at strangers and always seems unsure about them.  He seems like a good watch dog, but do these qualities make him a good guard dog?
Please e-mail me your response when possible because I am very curious. Thank you, Kimberly

Answer
Your dog sounds a lot like one of my dogs. He is a great watchdog.  However, that does not really lead into being a great guard dog.  Most dogs are protective, and bark when theres something new (like a visitor).  My dog, Indie, sort of displays signs that he would protect me.  Like if someone in the house is trying to wrestle with me (play fight) then Indie goes CRAZY, barking and everything.  I also have another dog who hardly ever barks.  He is a good watchdog I guess, he lets me know.  But he wouldn't get too worked up if someone broke in.

Some of these qualities you are describing are just part of the breed.  The chasing through the fence...HE IS A HERDING BREED.  Being kind of cautious of strangers is right in the breed standard.  

Hope this helps,

Matt