I think I agree with Lulu here that if you get a good guard dog, you probably won't have the kind of temperament you want in a family dog. There are exceptions, but you don't find out which ones those are by the breed, but by the individual dog, and that's like playing the lottery.

My lab was a nightmare for the first 3 years. And he has quite a few health problems that have cost us quite a lot of money, esp now he's getting on in age. Would I get another lab for my next dog? Probably not. But he's been a great dog nonetheless. And yes he sheds like a demon. I have tumbleweeds of doghair in my backyard that could swallow my house if I didn't sweep up every weekend.

Next time I'm getting a small dog breed with a proven good temperament, and get an alarm system installed for security.