TECHNICALLY the most common dogs bred for police dogs are Belgium Malinois and are prefered in most cases. Something about being smarter, easier to train and a long life span than Shepherd's. My step dad helps train police dogs for CPD, Dublin and Powell PD's.
Call me an asshole but, Ive never understood the point of having a dog if it doesnt serve any REAL purpose. Does that make any sense to anyone else? In Sam's case, the purpose is to make his day better which he does. If I had a family dog i would want it to be protective over my family. If its just a fat slob that walks around all day then i look at it as just another mouth to feed. Thats not to say i would never have a dog, I would LOVE a rottweiler (sp?) or an Amstaf but i would feel horrible if i didnt spend time with it and jsut kept it in a cage all day.