Having had an intruder in our garden the other night (dispatched very rapidly by my shouting!!!) we are re-thinking our chosen breed for new dog, of Labrador. But our main priority for a new dog is that it must be good with children, because we're grand-parents. We're wondering about a border terrier - I'd be interested to have experienced people's opinions.
Thanks.
Cathy.

In my experience, Labradors are quite capable of dispatching unwanted people from their premises - I have at present a cross Lab (about 75% Lab) and I could not ask for a better family guard, or a better natured dog.

Good luck with your choice

Hayley

Why do you think a labrador would be unsuitable? Our old labrador bitch had a very deep, imposing bark, which she used to good effect if circumstances demanded it. I personally feel that a smaller dog would have been less of a burglar-deterrent.

Remember, there is no breed that is "guaranteed good with children". Dogs are individuals whose temperament is determined by a combination of genes and upbringing. I have met some very nice border terriers, and some who would bite your leg if you moved too fast!
:)

All the borders that I have met have haed lovely people friendly temperaments. They tend to be one of the most sociable of terriers.

I would go with a breeder who has children or grandchildren themselves, and any pups are well socialised with children.

Hiya,

A friend of mine breeds Labs, and they are certainly capable of frightening intruders!!

You usually find that they have very deep barks, and so, intruders are warned off.

Unfortunately I don't know a thing about Border terriers...sorry!

Lisa

Sorry I do not know much about the Lab's but Borders I do! They are great with children , but as with any breed the children need to be trained too so that the dog has it's own quite time. They are though a hunting dog and I would imagine the Lab would be easier to train eg recall, I used to have Dobermanns and in comparison Borders are so easy to go anywhere because of the size. Why not look for someone who breeds in your local area and arrange to visit them with the children?