Just chucking in my here. Most dogs, specially bigger ones, can be an absolute pain in the bum for the first two or three year sof their life, while they are puppies.

You never can pick which dog will be a good guard dog, or which will snap, no matter what the breed. And no dog should be trusted with kids (as in left without competent supervison).

Having said all that, we have a 2 year old staffie and while we love her dearly, she is great with ds and quite intelligent, she is still quite destructive.

I second Lulu- anyone we can beat up for ya Mumma?

ETA- Sorry Mumma posted before I saw yours- that's terrible. No wonder you feel unsafe!