Hi and welcome,

I have known and lived with a lot of dogs, mutts to show dogs. In a survival situation I would lean to working or herding dogs. I loved my Samoyed and he would have been great in a survival situation but in general (based on personal experience) I would probably choose a German Shepherd or a Collie for me and mine. Actually I have chosen a GSD, she is a year old and way to smart for me. Good thing she is a real people pleaser. This one will probably get some advanced training and if it takes she could be my son's home grown assistance dog.

Dogs and humans have a partnership that goes back a long way and any dog breed could be a help in the correct situation, if trained/socialized well. Many breeds have been developed to emphasize specific skills/instincts and the value of those skills will vary by situation. Mutts and a few traditional breeds (GSD and others) are the jacks of all trades of the dog world.

- Eric