My friend (single mom of three) had a Bordeaux that was great with the kids and had the size and bark that would stop anyone dead in their tracks. He never bit, but he did knock a guy over when he felt his mom was threatened. Great dog, but drooled a lot.

DOG BITE FACTS
Based on data regarding dog attacks in the U.S. and Canada between 1982 and 2014, the dogs most likely to bite humans are:
Pit bulls
Rottweilers
Pit bull mixes
German shepherds
Bullmastiffs
Wolf hybrids
Huskies
Akitas
Boxers
Chows
German shepherd mixes
Dobermans
THE CONCERN OVER PIT BULLS
Pit bulls are regularly cited as one of the most dangerous dog breeds. Between 2005 and 2016, Pit bull attacks led to 64.8 percent of all dog-related deaths. Over this decade, this type of dog caused 254 deaths.
The number of pit bull attacks and fatalities is not because pit bull breeds are inherently violent. Organizations like the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) do not recognize any difference between a pit bull’s potential aggressiveness and any other breed’s capacity for violence. However, there are reasons why pit bulls contribute to such a large percentage of animal attacks and fatalities. These breeds of dogs are stocky and have one of the strongest jaws of any type of dog.
Throughout history, pit bulls have been bred to fight. Not only will the breed be tenacious in a fight after being injured, but their strength also enables them to inflict the maximum amount of damage on another dog. When pit bulls bite, they tend to lock their jaw and shake. Unfortunately, this translates to their ability to significantly injure or kill another dog or person.
OTHER DOG BREEDS THAT CAUSE FATALITIES
After pit bulls, there are a number of other dog breeds that caused fatalities between 2005 and 2016:
Rottweilers – 11 percent
German shepherds – 3.8 percent
American bulldog – 3.6 percent
Mixed breeds – 3.3 percent
Mastiff/Bullmastiff – 3.1 percent
Husky – 3.1 percent
Unknown, unreleased, or a combination – 7.3 percent

German Shepard’s are in the 10 most likely to bite a person list. (List of dogs most likely to be aggressive. List comes from reported injuries) so really not for a first time owner.

Look into Belgian Malinois. Those are be the next "must have" dog breed. If staying ahead of the curve and being on the leading edges of trends is important to you, then that will be THE dog to have next year. Doodles and Portuguese Water Dogs are cultural has-beens at this point, and lots of owners probably regret buying them by now, and are now stuck with obsolete dogs.

Anonymous wrote:I’m the poster who recommended a miniature schnauzer. They also come in Standard and Giant sizes and shed minimally. However, you really need to socialize and do obedience training with them as they can be a bit stubborn.

They BARK a lot, at people, other dogs etc. I see a lot of them in my neighborhood with owners desperately trying to "train" them with treats.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Please don’t get a German Shepard. They are not for first time owners.

There are no guarantees that any first time owner will be able to cope with whatever type of dog that they get. Some first time owners will cope fine with a German Shephard (GSD), some won't. I don't see the issue with a first time dog owner having a GSD. What should someone do, get another breed of dog, and then spend the rest of it's life waiting for it to pass on, so they can then get the breed that they wanted in the first place?

+1. I have a GSD who would be a great dog for a first time owner. She's been on of the easiest of all the breeds I've had, including mixed breeds. I love mixed breeds, but that doesn't guarantee you a dog with a good temperament. Ask my current mixed breed who we rescued as a puppy and has fear aggression.

I would recommend a female GSD though for a first-time owner.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Im a single mom about to move in a much bigger house and suburban area. I would like to adopt a dog for protection so one who is imposing in stature and also ready to defend but as well a good family dog, great with kids and cats. Ive never had a dog before so looking for breed recommendations. ( we have a cat). Thanks

Please don’t get a dog for protection. Get an alarm system.

I will get that too. This would be for walks on trails or around the neighborhood

My dog couldn't protect me from a bug but her bark was deep and loud. She was about 60 pounds and made me feel safe. She alerted me of anything weird going on or when someone came to our door. Sometimes it was embarrassing because she'd scare kids and adults, but it was all talk. She passed away at 14 this year and I miss her. I would recommend adopting a larger dog who barks at the unknown. You can reach out to foster parents and ask if they think she'd be a good fit. That's really all you need to do.

I really wouldn’t recommend this. All you need as a woman living alone is for a dog to start barking at some random sound only they can hear. On a quiet night this can be quite freaky.

I have a standard poodle. She's pretty big- barks ferociously- but is incredibly tolerant and gentle with my kids (3 yo and 1 yo). But I caution you, standard poodles are very high maintenance in terms of exercise and grooming. Mine is also not good being left alone for long periods of time. If all you want is a burglar deterrent, I would get a home security system. If you really want a dog, I would consider a standard poo, but know that it's basically like having another child.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Im a single mom about to move in a much bigger house and suburban area. I would like to adopt a dog for protection so one who is imposing in stature and also ready to defend but as well a good family dog, great with kids and cats. Ive never had a dog before so looking for breed recommendations. ( we have a cat). Thanks

Please don’t get a dog for protection. Get an alarm system.

I will get that too. This would be for walks on trails or around the neighborhood

My dog couldn't protect me from a bug but her bark was deep and loud. She was about 60 pounds and made me feel safe. She alerted me of anything weird going on or when someone came to our door. Sometimes it was embarrassing because she'd scare kids and adults, but it was all talk. She passed away at 14 this year and I miss her. I would recommend adopting a larger dog who barks at the unknown. You can reach out to foster parents and ask if they think she'd be a good fit. That's really all you need to do.

Anonymous wrote:My concern is that it sounds like Op is looking for a rescue dog that will be coming to her with everything done. Imposing stature, great guard dog, good with kids....

A rescue dog is still going to need time to acclimate to a new home. The dog will still need consistent training and lots of love. If Op has the time and desire to help the dog adapt - great! If Op thinks that she already has her hands full and is expecting this dog to come into her home ready to fit her needs....not so good. In that case, an alarm system might be a better option.

Not all rescue dogs need time to acclimate, most do, but my current dog really was ready to go. She walked right on in like she had lived there forever, she was housebroken, had basic training, and her previous owner had even taught her not to bark indoors. Easiest dog ever.

Anonymous wrote:Get a shepherd mix.

I have a shepherd lab mix. Best dog ever, well behaved off leash, loyal, and very protective without being aggressive. ( DD screamed once on a walk and the dog came running back, also when a playful dog jumped on me once she jumped up to push the dog off me with no aggression)

German shepherds are working dogs so get bored easily, they can also have hip issues. This is why I recommend a mix.

My family had a German Shephard mix when I was a child...great dogs!

Get a shepherd mix.

I have a shepherd lab mix. Best dog ever, well behaved off leash, loyal, and very protective without being aggressive. ( DD screamed once on a walk and the dog came running back, also when a playful dog jumped on me once she jumped up to push the dog off me with no aggression)

German shepherds are working dogs so get bored easily, they can also have hip issues. This is why I recommend a mix.

Anonymous wrote:Please don’t get a German Shepard. They are not for first time owners.

There are no guarantees that any first time owner will be able to cope with whatever type of dog that they get. Some first time owners will cope fine with a German Shephard (GSD), some won't. I don't see the issue with a first time dog owner having a GSD. What should someone do, get another breed of dog, and then spend the rest of it's life waiting for it to pass on, so they can then get the breed that they wanted in the first place?

Check out petfinder.com. Many rescue groups have dogs in foster homes so you can get information about whether or not they are good with kids or cats, etc. We had a very successful adoption through Worthy Dog, but there are many great adoption groups in the area.

I’m the poster who recommended a miniature schnauzer. They also come in Standard and Giant sizes and shed minimally. However, you really need to socialize and do obedience training with them as they can be a bit stubborn.