I didn't get all the way through this thread, what a headache... just popping in here to say that I have spent a great deal of time with an Avalon Coolie (he belongs to my best friend and I do "daycare" for him when she works, so he's basically like my 3rd dog) and he is a FANTASTIC dog! He is nearly silent (like really, hardly ever barks, though he has a lovely "rooo" that he does), not at ALL a nutcase, in fact he is generally very mellow and cuddly. He can absolutely turn on his drive when training or out and about, but he is a very sane dog. It seemed like some people here were accusing Shawn of false advertising, but from my experience with the pup from her, he's exactly as she says her dogs are. Just had to say it!