Blue Lacy.

I feel the need to buy a AKC pup if that matters

But the Pyrenees do sound pretty good

I'm going to give my biased opinion and say black mouth cur. It's the dog from old yeller. Mine is well mannered and protective. If I rough house with my my wife he barks at me and gets protective. He doesn't get physical but I think that is because he knows it's me. I'm sure if things were serious he would get down to business. Doesn't bark at anything random like some dogs only if he hears something that's out of the ordinary. He also poops in one single pile in the flower bed and no where else which is odd. I wouldn't think that would be a thing that is normal in the breed though.

Whatever you do don't listen to this guy.

Pyrenees is a great call. German Shephard would be a good call, too. Both would take a lot of training for what you're looking to get out of them if you don't have any experience with the breed.

When we first got married we got a red heeler pup and raised her. I wouldn't trust her around real strangers. She was protective and may bite. With our family and extended family she was cool. I couldn't trust her around any other animals though either. Horses, cattle, cats pretty much any other animal

Then we added a German shepherd which he was a great dog too

They both died at around age 12-13 which was about 2-3 years ago

We have a German Shepard that's extremely protective of the family and our property line. Seems to be completely instinctive. Also very good with people he knows and very easy to train. We got him to keep the hogs out of the yard and he's done a great job.

We also have a wire haired terrier that's completely worthless, unless you drop food in the kitchen. I'll make you a deal on that one.

Our blue heeler is very protective and observant. He doesn't miss anything especially on our county road. We've owned 3 heelers thus far and are very satisfied with the breed characteristics.

If i didn't live in the chitty city I would have another heeler.

Our red heeler was prob our best dog for us

I don't remember her ever barking

If you knew her, she would stop, stare, a few bristles would raise and she was off like a torpedo.

I just couldn't trust her but I miss her

Bully!

Raised three girls with to pit bulls.They were the best kid dogs I ever had.They are very good people dogs if you bring them up right.

I've had shepards my whole life. Great dogs but they do require a lot of time. If kept indoors be prepared to exercise them daily. Most are very active / hyper. They are very loyal and will die for you if! If you decide on a GS I'd suggest having it trained. None of mine have ever been house dogs. I have the wireless containment.