I'll try to check GS this week, but for now the rottweiler is my favorite

Newfoundland.

rotty

you basically just described a rottie right there, smart, big, loving, faithful, and active.

says the guy with the pigs But i agree. IF you have time, go with a rottie. you'll NEVER go wrong. trust me.
Coming home after a days work and your dog is right there sitting down looking at you with it's head tilted 'smiling' as it awaits your command. They're close knitted family dog that'll protect, love, and remain loyal to you no matter the consequence (yes i know that this could be for any dog :P). Rotties are crowd magnets because of the way they 'pant' or open their mouths. In a way they're like smiling. Specially with those eyebrows, outstanding colour marks, and beautiful physique and biting power

edit:
Aside from a rottie I would suggest (like before)
Dogo or GSD

This post was edited by JAYZONE on Jun 1 2012 12:47am

go husky go

huskies/rotties are good dogs, but are headstrong and hard to train for new dog owners. With huskies you also have to take into consideration your climate, they do not do well in the heat.

german shepherds are a prettymuch bulletproof dog, first timer or pro

I voted for "other", my 2 cents: find pit bull a puppy or a young rescue (young as in under 3-6 months. With a 2 year old daughter you don't want to risk an older abuse case which is unfortunately common with pit bulls)

they're headstrong but intelligent and unwaveringly loyal. Great guard dogs that are also perfectly happy sleeping on the couch with their head in your lap.

There's an abundance of them up for adoption, so you can go cheap w/ a rescue that's up to date on shots + spayed/neutered or get a puppy from a reputable breeder.

The dog you are describing here is a German Shepherd

grats, enjoy the gs

if possible try to get a german bred one, to be registered as a purebred GS in germany they have to test negative for a hereditary predisposition for hip displasia.