I think a lot of breeds could fit that bill! Sporting breeds come to mind.
English Shepherds could be a little more aloof than what you're looking for. It depends greatly on lines and the individual in question
I wouldn't call my girl aloof as she's generally quite friendly - but she can be suspicious at times before being introduced, and has shown she can be pretty darn protective if someone strange tries to enter the house without us letting them in. I've met others who have very little time for strangers. They aren't generally bouncy like an Aussie or Golden though - they don't have the extreme intensity that BCs do, but all the ones I've met have been pretty serious, stoic dogs, especially around other people. That said, I would suggest meeting some in person because I think the right one could work out - the energy level and good with kids/cats sounds right on point. If a Golden is too large though I'd recommend going with a female ES if possible - it's not too hard to find a female ES under 50 pounds, but the males can get very big.
My Koolie is not aloof in the slightest - loves and gets along with everyone! He is much more biddable and handler soft than my ES, while still having great nerves and not being environmentally soft. Always bouncy and loving and happy. He's the perfect size (just over 30 pounds) to travel and snuggle with (he is SO snuggly). Loves kids and cats. Because he's so biddable and eager to please I find him very easy - he is higher energy though. He doesn't get a training or shaping session every day by any means, but he is out for hours every day doing farm chores, watching the horses, and looking after his ducks. He never slows down or rests outside - he'll come inside and pass out 5 steps inside the door but he's always in action outside. He settles very well in the house, as does my ES, but he does need that time on a daily basis (some of this is also due to the fact that he's very routine-minded). He is the sweetest, most loving little dog I've ever met and incredibly loyal.
English Shepherds could be a little more aloof than what you're looking for. It depends greatly on lines and the individual in question
I wouldn't call my girl aloof as she's generally quite friendly - but she can be suspicious at times before being introduced, and has shown she can be pretty darn protective if someone strange tries to enter the house without us letting them in. I've met others who have very little time for strangers. They aren't generally bouncy like an Aussie or Golden though - they don't have the extreme intensity that BCs do, but all the ones I've met have been pretty serious, stoic dogs, especially around other people. That said, I would suggest meeting some in person because I think the right one could work out - the energy level and good with kids/cats sounds right on point. If a Golden is too large though I'd recommend going with a female ES if possible - it's not too hard to find a female ES under 50 pounds, but the males can get very big.My Koolie is not aloof in the slightest - loves and gets along with everyone! He is much more biddable and handler soft than my ES, while still having great nerves and not being environmentally soft. Always bouncy and loving and happy. He's the perfect size (just over 30 pounds) to travel and snuggle with (he is SO snuggly). Loves kids and cats. Because he's so biddable and eager to please I find him very easy - he is higher energy though. He doesn't get a training or shaping session every day by any means, but he is out for hours every day doing farm chores, watching the horses, and looking after his ducks. He never slows down or rests outside - he'll come inside and pass out 5 steps inside the door but he's always in action outside. He settles very well in the house, as does my ES, but he does need that time on a daily basis (some of this is also due to the fact that he's very routine-minded). He is the sweetest, most loving little dog I've ever met and incredibly loyal.
