McNab dog

Appearance

The McNab shows considerable variation in appearance. It is medium-sized, with females standing 16–21 inches and weighing 30–50 pounds, and males 18–25 inches and 35–65 pounds. Ear sets range from pricked to floppy, and tails may be short (naturally bobbed or docked) or long. Colors include black, red, blonde, blue, lilac, and sable, with solid, white, or tricolor patterns.

Eyes are almond-shaped, well apart, and brown, hazel, or copper. The coat is close, dense, and weather resistant, never long. Cat-like feet contribute to agility.

Breed status

The McNab is not recognized as a standardized breed by any major kennel club, including the American Kennel Club. In 2014, breeders and enthusiasts established the McNab Shepherd Registry (MSR), a founding registry that uses discovered genetic markers and DNA verification for registration. That same year, the MSR worked with Mars Veterinary on a study to establish a unique genetic signature for the breed. Samples from McNabs across the United States supported a unique breed signature, and the study also evaluated physical traits and over 100 disease-causing mutations.

Temperament

McNab Shepherds need more daily physical exercise and mental stimulation than many breeds. A working dog often runs miles a day using herding skills, and can become restless if isolated or neglected. They are not hyperactive; with sufficient exercise, they nap contentedly while remaining watchful and protective.

McNabs bond tightly to family members and other pets, have a keen sense of territory, seldom wander, and are more likely to defend their territory and family than many sensitive herding breeds. They can be assertive and demanding, doing best with firm, consistent guardians who use positive training methods that avoid triggering the dog's instinct to push back. Highly intelligent and quick to learn, they need to exercise their brain as much as their body.

Activities

McNabs have a loose-eyed herding style and work more independently than many herding breeds. They are skilled at both heading and heeling stock, originally bred for sheep but also used for cattle, geese, goats, llamas, and gathering horses. Known for endurance, they have covered over a hundred miles a day driving herds.

They are increasingly popular in dog sports, competing in agility trials, dock diving, disc dog, herding, lure coursing, dog sledding, skijoring, flyball, barn hunt, and nose work. Many ranchers compete in Ranch Dog Herding, where dog and handler on horseback herd three cattle through five obstacles into a stock trailer. McNabs are also becoming more common as service dogs, showing sensitivity to medical and psychological needs.

Did You Know?

• Alexander McNab left Scotland in the late 19th century and homesteaded a 10,000-acre sheep ranch in what became Hopland, California.
• McNab dogs may carry the MDR1 mutant gene, making them sensitive to Ivermectin; a DNA test is available through Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
• The breed has spread to Canada, Germany, and Japan.