I’m so sorry to hear about your furbaby, @Darlene_M! He sounds like he was an amazing protector and friend.
I’ve got a 4 year old Pit and a 1 year old German Shepherd. Both are lovers and want to be on your lap all of the time, but people who don’t know them are terrified of them.
Our neighbors have gotten to know Harley and Chewie as they like to visit other dogs on the block and aren’t afraid of the dogs attacking anyone. But if anyone makes unexpected or threatening actions toward my 1 year old granddaughter, both dogs will protect her, I have NO doubt about that.