Hello help please

Ive spent the last 6months reading, talking to dog owners, visiting fun dog shows and browsing web sites to try and help us decide on which breed is right for us. I think I am more confused now than when i started!!!!.

We are a family of five mum,dad girl aged 11, twin boys aged 4. We live in a good sized house with a decent sized garden with a tiny brook that is the boundary. We are an active family and i want a dog that will tire out my boys!!! we are not far from Ashdown forest and love visiting the seaside at weekends. I work part time 4hrs a day and live opposite some fields. My husband and I both like the idea of a Border Collie but many people have said that these dogs can be both nerotic and not to good with young children. I have been making enquiries about spaniels both Welsh Springer and Field Springer and Cockers. Please help

First thing that comes to mind is that if you really mean a tiny brook is the only boundary to your garden you need a fence prob on your side if you don't want a constantly wet dog that will also escape and wander.
I wouldn't presume to advise on breeds except to say that Border Collies are marvellous dogs but do need to be kept mentally and physically exercised or they will find themselves things to do. They are really clever but this cleverness can lead to them learning bad habits just as easily as good although that applies to any dog not given the right direction.
Anne

sharpei would be kept in if you had a BIG PUDDLE as your boundary :rolleyes:

If you can hang on a little longer, maybe a visit to Discover Dogs in November would help where you can meet and talk to owners of all sorts of breeds with their dogs.
Discover Dogs
LynnT