German Shepherd.
I have had a GSD in my life since I was just over a year old. I will cross lanes of traffic just to pet one. A GSD that has been raised with love is always a winner.
I love the personality of GSDs. They are loyal, intelligent, watchful, and training them is very easy, as long as you are the established Alpha. They are not a good choice for a family dog if you are not comfortable being the Alpha.
Never did I have to worry about my safety when my GSD was by my side. Sweet, adorable, loving family member that will give it's life with no hesitation to protect it's family is something I value.
I presently have a large, 120 pound plush coated male GSD, and a 2 year old female Golden Retriever.
My Golden is the typical smiling, friendly, let me show you the jewelry as you pet me, Golden. She has never met a person she didn't like, she is intelligent, but, she is easily distracted by, well, anything, and thinks about whatever command she was just given to make sure it is what she actually wants to do (I tell her to come in, she will look around, think about the stick she is chewing, look for a squirrel, then finally decide that ok, she will come inside). I train almost every day (important with strong minded breeds), and while my Shepherd is focused on my every word and movement, the Golden is watching a butterfly, oh wait there is a leaf, hey look at the bee, oh mom has treats I want food ok I will sit! I prefer the blind obedience of my Shepherds.
Unfortunately, as my husband and I get older and retirement is much closer, traveling with a GSD is not going to be easy due to breed restrictions at hotels and campgrounds. Even homeowner's insurance was surprisingly hard to find when we moved states. Hence, the Golden. Everyone loves a Golden, no one fears them, and I just may have to get used to crossing lanes of traffic to get in my Shepherd petting after our present boy leaves us. But at least having a dog, no matter the breed, is better than having no dog!