When looking for the ideal in family protection dogs, it is almost impossible to beat the German Shepherd. The breed is not that old, originating in 1899, and was developed to be a herding dog and protector of sheep. Its extreme intelligence, loyalty, friendliness, and natural protective instincts has made the German Shepherd an ideal companion, working dog, guard dog, and a perfect fit as a family protection dog.

When looking for family protection dogs, one of the requisites that are looked for is adaptability and the ability to be trained easily and effectively. German Shepherds are one of the most intelligent breeds and they easily bond with a new family. They are eager and enthusiastic learners.

Shepherds adapt nicely to family life and their temperament demands that they have (and follow) a master. They usually choose who they consider to be the Alpha personality of the family as their master. Because of their protective nature and loyalty, they will watch over and protect any member of their alpha master’s “pack” or family.

Here are just a few examples of their value as a family protection dog and of their loyalty to their master’s and their “packs.”

Following the 9/11 attacks, over three hundred Shepherds were deployed at Ground Zero and were considered to be invaluable with regard to rescue efforts and locating people trapped in the destruction and wreckage. There is, however, no accurate record on how many trapped people the Shepherds help to rescue.

In 1992, Debbie Inions was riding in the wilderness of Alberta, Canada with her three year old Shepherd named Hustler. The horse spooked and threw Debbie and seriously injured her. Hustler continuously fought off determined coyote attacks for over nine hours until they were finally located and rescued.

In early 2010 in Ohio, Michelle Pryor and her fiancé were about to retire for the night when their Shepherd, Cyrus, began barking at the door furiously. Michelle decided to let him out, and then, just a moment after, she heard gunshots. Michelle went and grabbed her infant daughter to hide her while her fiancé went to grab his rifle.

As soon as her fiancé grabbed his rifle, two armed intruders crashed through their door and were met by her armed fiancé. The home intrusion was foiled thanks to Cyrus who, while outside with the intruders, took two bullets; one to the chest and the other to his snout just between his eyes – for the love of his family. Cyrus survived his wounds and continues to protect his loved ones to this day.

So, if it is family protection dogs you seek, you would be hard-pressed to find a better breed than the German Shepherd.