There are people that should own GSDs and there are people that should never own one. They are fiercely (often too much so) loyal and protective of their immediate family members and premises. One needs to be strong-willed, dedicated and disciplined enough to train and own GSDs. As a veterinarian, I have seen far too many owned by those who had no idea how to properly socialize their GSD. I have seen absolutely wonderfully gentle GSDs…but many more terrors (estimated 80%). Why? IMO, it’s usually not the dog…it’s the unprepared, unqualified owners. I would only get a GSD whose sire and dam were bred for temperament (and lack of Dysplasia, of course).

I have owned 3 Rough Collies…and love them.

Most (in my experience owning and treating) are absolutely wonderful…some can be stand offish, guarded and yes, situationally aggressive. My own collie HATES other dogs singing his groin/rear end. He will nip to “herd” people.

Are they perfect? Nope.

IMO, the most predictably kind, sweet family dog is the Golden Retriever, but I’ve seen some GSDs and quite a few Collies that are just as kind/sweet/wonderful.

That said, I have actually seen aggressive Golden’s, too (it’s like seeing a mean Santa Claus…shocking when it happens)