Another good option may be a Bernese Mountain Dog, they are amazing family dogs, and bomb proof still aloof and specific with the people it likes. But if raised with chickens, cats or other small animals they are fine with them. They are big and a little less energetic than a shepherd I will always have a soft place for them, Ruby was my first dog she was a Bernese. No prey drive, and the love babies of any species, will protect them.
My Bernese nearly killed another dog for getting to close to my cats kittens, and she took out raccoon regularly who prayed on my chickens and ducks. But never ever wandered from home, and was never aggressive with people just cautious and wary. A very good nanny dog. At one time my young daughter at around 3 wandered around the corner from us towards a swampy area and she would run back and fourth from her to us barking till we clued in and followed her to get my daughter.
And they are not rank driven, so will not challenge your authority, very easy amazing dogs. You don't need to be overly dominant to convince them.
That is what I would recommend, even over a shepherd, since they can have a fair amount of prey drive, and a lot more energy than a Bernese.

I never had to think about fencing her, she was never out of my sight and she did that herself no training, they do bond very closely like an LGD. I could not leave her with any one. She was my shadow for 10 years, always there quietly following.
I still miss her.

Well, I do like the simple appearance of that breed..... never actually met one, though. Of course, my parents are now quite set on getting one of the neighbors GSD pups, so it would be hard to convince them to go buy another kind of dog from a breeder that could be 100 miles away, or farther and probably would cost more. Then again, the neighbor already has about six people who want pups, plus the owner of the father of the litter wants one, so there might not even be enough pups for us to get one since we're last in line.
But maybe I'll do some research about those... see if I can convince my parents to consider one, if the neighbors dog doesn't end up having enough pups to go around.

Yes I would say look into it and do some research, they really are very good dog's. And if you are a person who is attracted to the LGD type dogs a Bernese is a really nice compromise, they are guardians, and have the heavier molloser appearance, very bonded to family and home. Very laid back even tempered, won't challenge you the way a true LGD will. But still traditionally used as a all round home and farm guardian plus drafting abilities.

That's interesting to read about the Bernese Mountain Dogs. I've long admired this breed for their beautiful good looks. I was curious what kind of temperament they have. Sounds like a wonderful breed.

Yes.....I have talked to my mom about the Bernese.... but she's still excited about the neighbors GSD pups (they're due in three days or so). Mom has said that she would consider a Bernese if the neighbors dog doesn't have enough puppies. I still haven't talked to my dad about them yet though......

Well..... there goes the Bernese idea. Our neighbors dog just had her puppies.... all eleven of them. My dad payed for the pup yesterday, a little female. I am of course excited, but I do kinda wish we had looked more into the Bernese Mountain Dogs, and maybe gotten one, because I did research them and I did like them a lot.

Well I'm sorry, it sounds like your parents did some impulse buying on a pup.....never a good idea....well someday you will have your own place and make your own rules and you can get what you really want. Best wishes...

Dear Wyandotte.

I am a new, inexperienced LGD owner. I know that the advice these kind people have given you is probably hard to swallow. The dogs you have been around your whole life have probably been so sweet and submissive. LGD's are not like that. They think for themselves and push their boundaries constantly. You were so smart to come to this forum and ask for advice. You have been given excellent advice. I think you are very serious about getting a SM. I totally understand. You need to spend this time to prepare for maybe your future with a proper set up. You are young and you do not want to invite disaster and heartbreak into your young life. That being said, you seem really smart. Prepare for your future and someday you will be with your ranch and LGDs and it won't be your father making that fence, it will be you. Patience young Skywalker
janice

Thank you, all of you. I really appreciate the support. And, lgdnevada, I think you're right and we did kind of impulse buy... but I do hope the GSD pup will turn out to be a good dog.