hi,

we have been offered a border lakeland cross from a good friends grandfather.  We have not met the father (border) since it was sold.  The mother (Lakeland) we have met along with the pup.  The pup was only 2 weeks then.  Seven of the eight pups never made it (the mother just did not look after them).

The mother was very friendly with us.  The mother does go out working with the owner.  The owner assures us the pup will live happily with us as a pet.  We also have two cats. I guess I am after a 2nd opinion. Any comments? Thanks.
Andrew

Right now the pup doesn't know whether it's a working pup or a pet pup so in theory you shouldn't have a problem. My pup comes from a line of working AND pet JRTs and he's a happy home pup. His sister and one brother are similar but his other huge and bumptious brother, Buster, is going to be worked. He's a delightful chap but his very confidence and bumptiousness could test the patience of an inexperienced terrier owner! All terriers need to be kept very well occupied though and they aren't the most reliable with cats so careful introduction and supervision will be required. 

I have two Bedlington Terriers, show bred but the parents work regularly and are very good enthusiastic workers ;) 

My two live with an elderly cat and were carefully socialised with her from the time we had them (twelve weeks old for the first one)  The cat is too patient really and wouldn't defend herself if one of the dogs was too boisterous so I had to make sure that they respect her.   We have no problems at all but I'm not silly enough to leave them and the cat together alone in the house ;)  The dogs are always kept where they can't get to the cat.  Better safe than sorry ;) ;)  However when we only had one dog I had no qualms leaving the dog and cat together ;)  I just wouldn't trust two bedlingtons with her ;) :)

I've a 6 yr old border that I've had for 2 years.  I'd never had a terrier before and mine certainly is a bit of feisty boy compared to dogs I'd had previously had.  He is a gorgeous dog though but he most certainly hated the cat at first.  Now they play together all the time but it took about 3 months before the cat dared to go near the dog. 

If it were me, I'd take the dog on but I'd get in with the training as soon as possible as mine is very stubborn and if you give him an inch he'll take 2 miles.  If I'd had him since a pup it would probably have been much easier.  Good luck with yours :)

CG

Thanks everyone. When I used to live with my parents, we used to have 4 jack russels and a cat. They all lived happily together.