I might add that many breeders I have dealt with (I am just a customer) were all concerned bout whether I had had Shelties before-- I think the understanding that they are barkers and that is part of their herding technique is important (like the hyperactivity barking of Border Colles).. Some breeds like to carry things in their mouth, some point, some slobber relentlessly, etc. You have to know something of the breed and what it does-- nearly all my shelties have tried to swipe my feet out from behind and give me those soft Sheltie nips and yes they bark cause that is what they do to get thing done. It drives my brother in law zonkers to visit and so breeders need to know you are ready for what you will get. Bark softening helps for sure and is essential in some cases.. Has anyone lived in a multiperson condo with a Sheltie?? I love em but yup they do bark...