First time I've posted on this thread,but couldn't help contributing seeing as you were talking about dogs. GSDs and Great Danes would both be fine with children,and have that added protectiveness of their owners. However, be aware that Great Danes have a tendency to bloat,due to their deep chests,bloating is almost a certain killer! German Sheperds,if bought from a responsible owner are very sturdy and healthy dogs,due to the fact that they have not changed much from their breed standard, from over a hundred years ago.