Nope - cropping is still legal in the USA, thank goodness.
In my photos...
Dog #1 is my current show dog
Dog #2 is my retired veteran show dog
Dog #3 was a show prospect but is now happily living in Missouri as a spoiled pet.
Dog #3 wasn't with me long enough to see what kind of protective instinct he had, but he was a very drivey, intense puppy.
Dogs #1 and #2 are mine, both have very strong protective instincts. My male has been in situations where he's defended me against an attacker and a would-be attacker, and my female is... well, a monster when it comes to strangers that aren't acting right. Let's just say it wouldn't be a good idea to cross either one of them. ;)