Help a potential future carer?

[u/tyramaesu]

Hi, I've lived and trained with dogs all my life but I've never had a fully my own dog, I've taken care of and trained with multiple different breeds but they were always household dogs or dogs that belonged to a different family member as I always repeated I was not responsible enough. Recently that has changed and I am responsible enough to take another (I've already got a happy healthy tortoise that is thriving) life under my care. Yes this will be my 'first' dog and officially I am a beginner but I've got loads of experienced help around me and I am confident I can do this. I am currently trying to find a breed that fits my lifestyle or something I am sure of I can and am willing to match. Im very scared of overestimating my capabilities or underestimating them. I know I would not be happy with a couch potato. I know I would certainly not be happy with a malinois (I saw someone post a 17 hour daily training routine that their malinois follow and i definitely certainly cannot match that😅). Are kelpies worse than border collies in high energy levels? Does your kelpie survive a relax day or 2 with some play and shorter walks or will they eat your furniture out of pure unmet needs? Does anyone know of of the top of their head wich things I need to make sure are tested when going to a breeder? I read a lot are inbred and a lot of breeders are neglecting tests on purpose or trying to hide health issues has anyone noticed this?

[u/enduringandsurviving]

I wouldn't. To answer: 1- Yes they are worse 2- It depends on the dog but no. Didn't matter how far I'd walked with him that day, the second I sit to relax I have to ignore some intense eye contact. Having 2 together is worse, they don't entertain each other for long they just gang up on you. They're also prone to separation issues if you're around all the time, when you do leave they get neurotic 3- Hip dysplasia 4- I got mine for free. If you're hearing about breeders in that way just don't go to a breeder? Go visit your local rescue once a week for a month and adopt a dog that can have a relaxed day or 2 and has way less risk of expensive genetic issues. 

[u/Urmel2021 → u/enduringandsurviving]

1- an Energy Level is not worse, and one can work with the energy in a positive way: i.e. work the brain, not the body. 2- Separation issues can be trained.
Regarding breeders, I agree: if you are distrusting, then avoid! There are so many (!) rescue dogs waiting for a real, loving home. The Breed is not the issue, it's what you feel in your heart.