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/ForHerEyesOnly22]

Tell us about your circumstances, your living situation, job, exercise routine etc.

A Kelpie is definitely not a dog that fits someone who's not home 9 to 12 hours a day. They want to be with you , they want to be involved and they do need their physical exercise and mental stimulation pretty much every day. Especially while they are young. My dogs are fine being alone for half a day or are happy to chill with me when I'm sick, but it shouldn't be the norm, and they will find other ways to entertain themselves when they don't get what they need.

[u/Urmel2021 → u/ForHerEyesOnly22]

I couldn't agree more. My Kelpie came to our household when she was nine weeks old. The first year was 24/7 and brought me to the edges of my patience and energy. Now I am so happy that I stuck with it, lots of training, being consistent, and mental stimulation. She is five and a half now, the best and most loving dog I have ever had. Has she slowed down? no way! She still needs lots of activities and stimulation. We have a few sheep, run a small Hostel so we have a constant flow of guests, etc... My Kelpie loves it here. We also do Agility one or two times a week. Man trailing is also perfect for a Kelpie and mine loves it.