Bobbie -
There is several dogs of working, herding, even one retreiver breed that work. One of the wonderful things about living in the USA is that there so many breeds choose.

On the farm we have a Great Pyrenese (Sleeps all day, up all night barking at coyotes) An American Bulldog he the unofficial day patrol. Then I have a GSD service dog

The anatolian is an extreemly independent breed much like the pyrenese - They are not herders as think but rather to protect their flock. People here imprint them with goats and then they protect the herd.

Explore the Chesapeake Bay Retriever (Chessie)I have met some that are very protective with out red flags poping up everfytime you go for a walk. Should also work well with recall issue

 Quote: bobbie cooper

Dear Folks --

I am seriously considering a different breed dog. I've had GSD for over 10 years, and yes they are addictive -- but I may not have chosen the "Right Breed" for my needs. This occured to me when I found the GSD's I liked best were not the "type" favored by the mainstream of GSD people.

My +ONLY+ concerns with changing breeds are, Temperment, Ability, Temperment and ABILITY (did I say Intelligence?)

It's also significant that we're economicly challenged, so anything with Blue-Dollarz Bloodlines is completely out of reach.

The good news is I have no interest whatsoever in the dog's appearance, so long as it's size is sufficient to effectively manage a determined "space invader" (my current dogs primary purpose is bodyguard for my son and self)

In fact, I would prefer a dog that does NOT appear to be a "Stereo-Type Guard Dog", but rather appears to be "Just a big Pooch". The reason is to NOT intimidate neighbors/postmen and other folks (nor invite poisoning from same)

In addition to being highly intelligent ("thinks for her/himself and might be able to read"), having a NATURAL guarding instinct,
I need a dog with an "Inborn" SOLID, willing, reliable recall. I have no interest in showing, trialing, or any of that, though do plan to invest alot of time training (I just like training and dogs peoples <g>

Any suggestions?

Bobbie C.

Well, Bobbie, the above description, not including the reliable recall which is a training issue, sounds like a GSD to me. I'd go with the GSD and I'd go with the GSD that YOU like the best, regardless of what the "mainstream" opinion is. If you've been happy with the GSD you have and he/she has lived up to your expectations, I'd continue with the GSD breed. (From a totally biased GSD lover.) I'd be hard pressed to recommend any other breed. And I'd certainly not be concerned with whom my dog would intimidate. Not everyone will be intimidated by just a "big pooch". I wouldn't.

 Quote: al curbow

What "type" is favored by the mainstream of gsd people?

I'm wondering the same thing. Are you talking about the ubiquitous American showline?

What turned you off of the GSD in the first place? Just based on what qualities in a breed that you've said you're looking for, it sounds like a GSD to me!

EDITED: Sorry, I hit the wrong button!

Just wanted to ask you to clarify what it is that you DON'T like about the GSD so that people could maybe give you some better opinions. Not all GSDs are created equal, you know. Yes, I'm a die-hard GSD fan, but I know they're not perfect for everyone. Still, they sound like they have what you're looking for. You want intelligence, reasonable size, natural guarding instinct and "ability." Ability to do what?

 Quote: alex corral

Anatolian Shepherd.

From what I've read, they do not have the "willingness to please" that a lot of the other breeds suggested do, and can be a bit standoffish. More aloof than the others -- even towards its "own people".

I'd throw Anatolians in with the other primarily GUARDING breeds of the herding sector... like Kuvazok. More intent on just doing its own thing and snapping at any disturbance than, "What can I do with you today, dad?"

My dogs are German/Anatolian Shepherds, and although they are the most gentle creatures, they are somewhat independent. They love attention, but only when they want it. Perhaps it is the GS in them, but I would have to say that they are herders – often times I have to stop them from nipping at my heels when we are running.

I have often heard that Anatolians are stubborn, but I think that is perhaps a bit inaccurate – I would again use the word “independent.” However, mine do respond well to training and also listen well. I think the “cuddly” factor is what is missing and that makes a lot of people think they would rather be off somewhere by themselves. Mine are generally very social dogs.

Also, the size of the Anatolian could possibly turn a lot of people off – they can easily go 135-150 pounds; and it’s pure muscle. That’s also why they are not recommended for Schutzhund – they can’t take the pounding of the training.

Well the OP DID say he wanted a big pooch, not typical of being known as a guard dog. An Anantolian IS a big pooch, not typically known as a guard dog. Smart and has a "natural guarding instinct" as the OP also noted. Also, they are not a breed that will break the bank, which is something the OP was looking for.

 Quote: alex corral

Well the OP DID say he wanted a big pooch, not typical of being known as a guard dog. An Anantolian IS a big pooch, not typically known as a guard dog. Smart and has a "natural guarding instinct" as the OP also noted. Also, they are not a breed that will break the bank, which is something the OP was looking for.

Yep, the perfect dog, in my opinion.

I agree ... recall is not genetic. If your dog's recall sucks then your training is to blame, not the breed.

Was your reference to Velcro intended to mean "bonded"? If so, ACDs are often called Velcro dogs.

(Note: I did not realize that in the working GSD world Velcro is not a good thing. It does make sense though. Most ACD people use the term Velcro to mean "tightly bonded," but don't interpret that to mean the dog won't think/work for itself. An ACD should be an independent thinker and worker, no matter how Velcro it is when the day is done.)

I am biased ... I love the strong, but compact look of the ACD! They are generally easy keepers and easy maintenance (wash and wear, albeit heavy shedders.) Eleven years ago I switched from GSDs to ACDs because I wanted to scale back a bit in size. The bigger of my two males (see below) is at the top of the height standard (20" for dogs). In top working condition he weighs in at around 48 lbs. (He would carry about 3-5 lbs. more for confirm.) He turned out to be a bit more lanky than I'd like, but it really doesn't matter to me. My bitch is a mere 17" and 32 lbs. of perpetual motion. Male or female, you get a LOT of dog for their size and a lot of bang for your buck! (Cost: Average $500-800)

I have found ACDs willing, agile, tenacious, stoic and loyal. They are known for their quirky, silly antics that are a cross between a Tasmanian Devil and Goofy. They are a hardy, athletic breed that is built for endurance and can withstand great extremes in both weather and terrain.

Usually ACDs are naturally wary, one-person (one family) dogs. They are fast learners, but can be slow to mature. Obviously some ACDs will mature more quickly than others, but it is not unusual for the males to take 2-3 years to stabilize fully. The up side to this is that the breed is long-lived; it is not uncommon for these dogs to live well into their mid to upper teens. (A word to the wise: choose your ACD wisely or you could end up with many years of hell!)

ACDs are generally healthy dogs, but can inherit deafness, progressive blindness (PRA) and hip and elbow problems. I hope it goes without saying that you should do your homework to avoid (or at least reduce) the chances of having these health issues. Some breeders test for various things, others don't. A good working ACD can be had via rescue, but questionable temperament and heritable health issues would always be a risk.

Cher

I was waiting for someone to mention the ACD. Personally, I never recommend this breed for what is being requested. If you want a big dog that looks scary but won't go after the mailman, the ACD is definately not the breed. A) because they are not big and B) because they will go after the mailman if not trained ;-)

Plus, like all breeds, they do not have a genetic recall. As my young male who reached stim level 125 (on continuous) on the Dogtra 1700 when he decided that sniffing a pee spot was better than coming when called. They can definately be stubborn on occasion. Or to paraphrase Michael Ellis when he watched me up the stim in the aforementioned situation, typical fricking ACD, not a sensitive bone in his body :-)

If you like a certain type of GSD stick with it. I am not a believer in getting a breed just because they could be big and scary. Go with a breed you like.

Good luck!

I'd like to add my support for consideration of an ACD as an alternative breed:

Just get one!

The next breed that I try instead of my beloved GSD's and Mal's will most certainly be an ACD. These dogs have intrigued me for decades and I'm been inching towards ownership of one for a long time now.
They're the smallest breed that I think could effectively defend you ( sorry, Corgi owners! ) and as everyone knows, I'm *reallY* picky about my protection breeds.