Airedale Terrier Forum:
Advice Needed

I have a 9 year female spayed old Lab, and I am thinking seriously about another dog. My current dog is completely gentle My children are 9 and 15. I have a large back yard. I am torn between a Sheppard and an Airedale. Recently, somebody tried to break into my house. I am NOT looking for an attack dog, but my current dog is no deterrent, in fact, she would welcome an intruder and may not even bark. My questions are as follows: 1) How would a puppy get along with a grown dog? 2) What advantages does an Airedale have over a German Sheppard? 3) Are Airedales of comparable intelligence to sheppards? 4) Are they known for being protective and territorial. My sincere thanks for any replies.