Suggestions on suitable dog breeds

Question
Hi,

My partner and I are looking at getting  a large dog - we have both owned dogs in the past but have been small (a male australian terrier and a small female black lab. For this dog we are wanting something with some stature to be seen as a guard dog, but more specifically for presence as we dont want an aggressive temperment (we have young children).  Basically wanting the best of both worlds - family dog but willing to bark to deter intruders and somehting that wont get aggressive with other dogs. We had seen the greater swiss mountain dog which seemed right, but unfortunatley there are no breeders in New Zelaand (where we live). Any suggestions of similar type dogs? Woudl a rottwieler be ok for this purpose? we also considered a german shepard. Any advice or suggestions greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Jon

Answer
A rottweiler would be my first choice,if they are raised with children they will guard them with there lives,but will be a gentle playmate-the downfall is they don't tend to live long

German Shepherds are also popular and are good family dogs,as well as protectors,you do have to watch where you get them,as fear bitting CAN be a problem in badly bred ones-but normally they are good protectors of people and property

Boxers are also a good choice as they are noted for being loving towards children,but look mean and tough and keep people away-again like the rottweiler they don't tend to live long

The Great Pyrenees is also known for being gentle with children and for being natural guard dogs as they were bred to guard sheep

Also various mastiff breeds are gentle but will guard against danger,as there looks and size along would be enough to keep intruders away

One more breed would be the Staffordshire Bull Terrier,in there description they are noted for there love and devotion to children and will die protecting them,and in England they were called 'nanny dogs' because of there love for children-they also have a 'mean' look to them that would keep intruders at bay

What ever breed you chose,NEVER leave a dog alone with a small child,not even for a few minutes,kids will be kids,and dogs will be dogs