The Collie grew out of Scottish sheep-herding dogs and was refined in Victorian Britain into the elegant dog most Americans picture from Lassie. Rough Collies have the flowing mane and long coat, Smooth Collies a short, sleek one, and both varieties belong to one breed with a dense double coat. Adults usually weigh 50 to 75 pounds and stand 22 to 26 inches tall.
In Beaumont, the coat is the main thing to plan around. Collies shed heavily, so regular brushing matters, and the humid, rainy climate means drying a thick coat after wet walks. Many are gentle, sensitive and patient with kids, though herding instincts can show up as barking or nudging. Collies also commonly carry a drug sensitivity called MDR1, so every vet should know the dog is a Collie.