Dogs are like anything else, each one is a unique product of genetics and enviroment.
My experiences reflect collies that in many ways exemplify the breed in terms of temperment. A collie would love to be your very best friend. If you've got an hour or two a day to play hard with your dog, your all set. Protective - get a german shepard. A collie would be as inclined to lick a stranger, and it would take a great deal to induce a collie to attack upon command.