i have a female GSP and she is the best dog with people and other animals i have ever had. she had never even been around kids for the first year of her life, and she is around them now, and loves them! she loves everyone she meets unless they are not supposed to be there! great family dog, great gaurd dog, and great hunter. just be prepared for a dog with TONS of energy... and they can and will jump fences (mine's a 6' stockaide fence!!!) of the see a bird or something they want! good luck and i would deff. recommend this great dog!!!