Pwca
Posted : 4/22/2007 4:41:30 PM
I've known a lot of shepherds who were great with kids, it's just important to be careful in picking a breeder AND, more importantly, train and socialize the dog properly- which will come down to your SO, I imagine, since you travel so much.
Some of the LGDs- like Pyrs- can be great with kids and a good visual deterrent without having the home-owners insurance problems of some of the more popular breeds- they're also very large, though, shed copiously, and need a good fence. Another breed which might be worth considering is actually a collie- smooth if you don't like the hair, rough if you don't mind doing some grooming. Many people don't realize that collies come in colors other than sable, but they do- and for some reason, the hoodlum teenagers who live at the corner across from my apartment are convinced that Malcolm is a doberman cross and will cross the street to get out of his way. (Malcolm is a tricolor smooth collie).
I think your best option, though, would be to talk to your local lab rescue and all-breed rescue groups. Find yourself a middle-aged, solid black lab or lab x shepherd who is good with kids, calm, and doesn't need anything specific in the way of training- instant perfect pet.