Passing the leash: Texas A&M announces incoming mascot Reveille X

Texas A&M held a private ceremony on Friday to pass the leash to its next mascot candidate, Reveille X.

The 18-month-old collie will spend the next few months training to serve as the beloved symbol of Texas A&M, the school said in a news release. She’ll spend the spring semester shadowing Reveille IX, who is now completing her sixth year in the role, learning about the requirements to be the Aggies’ mascot. Reveille X will officially take over in May.

“Reveille is the First Lady of Aggieland. You think of A&M, and you think of Reveille,” said BG Joe E. Ramirez, Jr., commandant of the Corps of Cadets. “She represents pride and tradition and all of the things we hold sacred here.”

School officials said it takes a very specific kind of dog to serve as Reveille. First, she needs to have the look: an American Rough Coat Collie with sable-and-white fur. She also needs the right personality to thrive in the high-profile position: calm yet extroverted, focused, and adaptable.

Juelle Collies of Topeka, Kansas, who donated mascot candidate Reveille X, is the same breeder who donated Reveille VIII.

We’re excited to introduce you to the soon-to-be Reveille X!

The 18-month-old collie will spend the next few months training to become the First Lady of Aggieland, as @Reveille IX prepares for retirement at the end of her sixth year as mascot. https://t.co/jgkXk1Yow7 pic.twitter.com/iwSJFacnsY

— Texas A&M University (@TAMU) February 5, 2021

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.