Considering dogs

[def90]

Honestly, unless you have a LOT of time to devote to training, don't even consider a Malinois. They are extremely driven dogs, and if you aren't directing them for a significant portion of the day, they provide self direction. You will almost certainly NOT like the self direction they provide.

Aikita's are great. I've been around them quite a bit, and they are (usually) big goofy furballs that will protect their domain and people quite effectively.

Yep, check the breed and it's traits vs what you are looking for.. Many shepards from what I have read and from personal experience will latch on to an individual vs a group/family. Had a good friend who's wifes family had a german shepard in the family growing up.. The dog was great on it's own but if his wife's sister was around you couldn't go near her. I don't have a lot of experience with Akitas but what I have seen follows shepards.

many herding/working dogs on the other hand generally protect the group vs an individual.