Best breed of dog for my mum for companion and guard?

[pinkmagic1]

My mum lives alone and recently has had a spate of attempted break ins. She has wanted a dog for some time and ideally would like an Irish setter like she has had in the past. I don't think however a setter would be much of a deterrent to any potential burglars and am therefore looking for breed suggestions. She prefers larger breeds but her house and garden are fairly small, however the dog would get plenty of walks. It would also more than likely be in the garden with a kennel for shelter for a portion of the day while my mum is out to act as a deterant to burglars. It must be a kind, gentle breed as will have contact with my children. Any suggestions much appreciated.

i have a border collie but my neighbour thought she was a bullmastiff from her bark

bamboo that's a bloomin' horse!

I agree with sullysmum. It sounds bizarre but my gran had chihuahuas and they sound vicious, much bigger then they are. They are soppy lap dogs. Just keep it hidden!

My neighbour had a rottie for this very reason. He was living alone and in the day the dog was left outside. To here him bark people ran a mile and just looking at the size of him gave a similar effect
He was as soft as a brush. He used to come and play at mine with my DCs and often got in the paddling ppol with them, rolled around the garden with them, that sort of thing. Unfortunatly they had to rehome him recently because my neighbours health took a turn for the worse. I would have kept him had i not got 2 springers.
I do know rotties have a bad name but they are really quite placid loveable dogs that are just big.

You're looking for a watch dog rather than a guard dog

i.e. watch dog will alert you to any strange goings on whereas a guard dog is actually trained to attack an intruder. (which you definetly don't want! usually a schutzhund dog handled by experienced handlers)

Anyway, german shepherds, rotties and doberman pinschers are all incredibly wonderful, soft pets but their formidable appearance and deep barks would surely act as a deterrent to a non-doggy burglar.

They would also be fine if she is going to spend a lot of time walking as such breeds do need up to 2 hours exersize per day.

as for leaving the dog in the garden, surely the dog would be better with the run of the house? also, leaving the dog in the garden leaves him open to being stolen.

She should also consider a rescue rather than buying a dog. try www.animalrescuers.co.uk for a list of sanctuaries.