Alpha or non alpha

Question
I have a male GSD, 4yrs old weighs about 85lbs. He is very obedient. He has great play drive loves to fetch...is very athletic. My daughter has a lab/basenji mix dog that Rudy sees frequently...they play and have a great time together when my daughter visits. I notice that Rudy let's the other dog eat his food first...at age 2/1/2 a collie mix came into the yard and Rudy rushed him but when the other dog stood up to him Rudy momentarily ran away...I chased the other dog away. My question is would an alpha GSD act like this? My other question is can a non alpha GSD make a good protection dog. I'm thinking he's just too good natured to be an alpha, but he's got plenty of "fire" in most other areas. I think he's a great dog so this is really a curiosty type question.

Answer
Sounds to me like you have a very medium tempered, NICE dog and no he is not an extremely alpha dog. Which is GOOD. There is a huge difference between aggression and protection. Alpha dogs are not necessarily protective, they are aggressive. Your dog appears to be in a good place emotionally, calm submissive state of mind. He reacted as he should've with the other dog., he allowed his pack leader, you, to deal with it, which is just as he should've done.
He did not in any way see that dog as a threat to you, and he was correct in that assumption. More than likely in a real threatening situation your dog would respond as his instincts tell him to,. he would protect you. None of my three adult shepherds are aggressive. They will bark,. they will alert., and they will accept strangers without hesitation. They have wonderful temperments and are excellent dogs. I also know that beyond a doubt, under the right circumstances any one of them would put themselves between me, or my children and any danger. I wouldn't have them any other way. Aggressive. insecure dogs are dangerous.
Give your guy a hug..
Cindi