guard dog for children

[lackenstrand]

I have a lovely lab who is completely wet and does not guard. I also have 3 lovely children. I would like to get another dog who is as gentle but more protective. I realise that getting a young pup and socialising them early with all the family is the way forward but what breeds are best for this combination of duties? Live in the country - plenty of space - lots of other animals, including cats btw.

woofa decided today to say -hello-- trip up builder, and he fell over backwards, onto plant pot which broke, he then twisted his ankle and grazed his back/arm and hit head

great swiss obv make great burglar deternats (sp)

my two ridgies do not eat that much, they are 30kgs dogs though... but mine are not huge eaters