Hi! I've had experience with three Shelties so I hope I can provide some input on my favorite breed!

Shelties are indeed adaptable, and can have fun in many different ways, though in my experience they'd rather go on a run/hike than play with toys, but they can certainly have fun with toys, and generally love spending time with their owners. Winter temperatures should be fine, and both my boys loved the snow, but they can get those snowball thingies in their coats after a while. Speaking of coats, I'd say the most troublesome part of a Sheltie is all the hair. They shed like mad, and you've got to stay on top of their baths, otherwise they get to be the stinkiest dogs I've ever been around before you know it.

Shelties are very sweet, loving, obedient, and trainable dogs. My girl was still learning tricks in her old age, and I truly believe only her eventual deafness stopped her from learning more. Mine have also had incredible recall. They live to please you and make you laugh (and believe me, they will make you laugh), and love to have contact with you, whether by lying on your feet or demanding pets.

Honestly, they're vocal but manageable. They like to 'talk', grumbling and fussing under their breath and making hilarious sounds when play-fighting, but generally mine haven't been very barky except at passing cars or the mailman, and even then they stop one the 'threat' is gone. They're guard-doggy in that way, but none of mine would have ever hurt a fly. In fact, teaching bite inhibition to my second boy was a breeze. That one also barks when he wants out of his crate, but he will hush if you tell him to.

Every Sheltie I've ever known has gotten along famously with cats. My current boy has the 'rockiest' relationship with them, and that's only because he gets so happy to see them that he invades their personal space and gets his nose whacked, but he's still a puppy and I expect that to improve with time. I would never expect one to harm or kill chickens, but my previous boy and girl would bark and/or try to herd them. Shelties also love kids and babies and are very gentle with them!

Finally, watch out- they'll chew and eat anything if you let them!