The Collie grew out of Scottish sheep-herding dogs and was refined in Victorian Britain into the elegant dog with a long, tapered head and full coat that Lassie made famous. Rough Collies have the flowing mane, while Smooth Collies wear a short, sleek coat. In the US they are one breed, and both varieties are double-coated.
Many Collies are gentle, sensitive and closely bonded to their families, though dogs vary. Herding instincts can show up as barking or circling, and most are happiest living indoors with their people. In Montgomery, plan around heavy seasonal shedding, regular brushing and low heat tolerance. A Smooth Collie's shorter coat takes less brushing, but it still sheds and still needs shade and cool mornings.