McNab

also known as McNab Border Collie, McNab Sheepdog, McNab Herding Dog

Pros History


The McNab dog is a breed of herding dog that originated in the Mendocino region of California in the late 19th century. The breed was developed by Alexander McNab, a Scottish immigrant who had traveled to California in search of new opportunities. McNab was a skilled farmer and sheepherder, and he quickly established a successful ranch in the region.

One of the challenges that McNab faced as a sheepherder was the lack of suitable herding dogs in the region. Most of the dogs that were available at the time were either too small or too aggressive to be effective at herding sheep. McNab decided to breed his own dogs, and he began experimenting with various crosses between different breeds of herding dogs.

After several years of breeding and selection, McNab was able to produce a new breed of herding dog that was well-suited to the needs of his ranch. These dogs were intelligent, agile, and hard-working, and they were able to effectively control and manage McNab's sheep flock. McNab's dogs quickly gained a reputation for their herding ability, and they became popular with other sheep farmers in the region.

As the popularity of the McNab dogs grew, McNab began to carefully record the pedigrees of his breeding stock. He wanted to ensure that the traits that made his dogs so successful would be passed down to future generations. McNab's breeding program was so successful that his dogs became known as the "McNab Sheepdog" or simply the "McNab Dog."

In the early 20th century, McNab's dogs gained even more recognition when they were exhibited at agricultural fairs and dog shows. The McNab Dog became well-known for its intelligence, loyalty, and herding ability, and it soon gained a following among dog enthusiasts throughout California.

In the 1920s, McNab's dogs were used to help develop several other breeds of herding dogs, including the Border Collie and the Australian Cattle Dog. These breeds have become some of the most popular herding breeds in the world, and they have a lot of the same characteristics as the McNab Dog.

Today, the McNab Dog is still a popular breed, especially among sheep farmers and ranchers. The breed is known for its intelligence, athleticism, and strong work ethic, and it is still prized for its ability to control and manage sheep and other livestock. While the McNab Dog is not as well-known as some other herding breeds, it remains an important and respected breed in the world of dog breeding.

Breed Information


Type

Is McNab a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were McNabs originally used for?

Working Dog, Companion

Lifespan

How Long Do McNabs Live? What is average life expectancy for a McNab? How long can McNabs live?

13-15 years

The average McNab lifespan is somewhere between 13-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

McNab Height & Weight


How big is a full grown McNab?

What is the average height of a McNab? How big is a Purebred McNab height? McNab dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 18-25 inches (45.7 - 63.5 cm) 12.5 inches (31.8 cm) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) 22.5 inches (57.2 cm)
Female 16-21 inches (40.6 - 53.3 cm) 11.5 inches (29.2 cm) 16.0 inches (40.6 cm) 18.5 inches (47 cm)
What is the average weight of a McNab? How much should McNabs weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 35-65 pounds (16 - 29 kg) 13.0 pounds (6 kg) 40.0 pounds (18 kg) 57.5 pounds (26 kg)
Female 30-50 pounds (14 - 23 kg) 11.0 pounds (5 kg) 34.0 pounds (15 kg) 45.0 pounds (20 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do McNabs get fat easily?

The McNab is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are McNabs Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the McNab is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a McNab personality? What are McNab dogs best known for?

Friendly
Obedient
Sociable
Hard
Working
Protective
Mannered

Shedding Level

Are McNabs heavy shedders? How Much Does a McNab Shed?

McNab dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your McNab. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a McNab dog?

The McNab dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do McNabs come from?

United States

Ancestry

What are McNabs descended from?

Scottish Collies, Nomadic Basque Sheepdogs

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the McNab breed?

Dog Registry of America Inc.

Date of Birth

When were McNabs first bred? How old is the McNab breed?

19th Century

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a McNab?

Herding

McNab Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are McNab eyes?

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can McNab nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can McNab coat be naturally?

Black
Red
Pied

Coat Length

How long is a McNabs coat?

The coat of a McNab falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The McNab Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a McNab?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a McNab have in a litter? How many puppies can a McNab have in her first litter?

13-15 puppies per pregnancy

A McNab can have a litter of 13-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

McNab dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

McNab Health Issues


Health Issues

Do McNabs have a lot of health problems?

The McNab is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a McNab?

None Known

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to McNabs?

Ear Infections
Multi-Drug Resistance Gene (MDR1)

Occasional Diagnoses

Eye Injuries

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for McNab breed?

Ear Examination
Eye examination
Ophthalmic And Ear Exam
Regular Full Physical Examination By Veterinarian

McNab Needs and Activities


Energy

Do McNabs have a lot of energy?

McNabs are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do McNabs need socialization? How social are McNabs?

McNabs have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should McNabs get?

The McNab dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a McNab have? Do McNabs sleep a lot?

McNabs dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a McNab drool a lot?

The McNab is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

McNab dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do McNabs exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are McNabs mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a McNab running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do McNab dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do McNabs enjoy doing? How do I keep my McNab busy?

Dog Parks, River

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a McNab? How much energy does a McNab have?

High

McNabs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a McNab walk each week? How many miles should a McNab walk every week?

18 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For McNab, it's at least 18 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a McNab should exercise a day? How much activity does a McNab need?

90 minutes

In general most McNabs usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a McNab?

The McNab is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a McNab?

Weekly

McNab should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for McNabs?

Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a McNab eat?

3 cups

For an average 35-65 pound (16 - 29 kg) McNab feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a McNab Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a McNab is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a McNab Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a McNab is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

McNab Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a McNab?

McNabs has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The McNab is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a McNab dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are McNab dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do McNab do well in apartments? Are McNabs good indoor dogs?

McNabs are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are McNabs good with kids? Are McNabs good around children?

McNabs are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are McNabs good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are McNabs good with cats? How friendly McNabs are toward cats?

McNabs are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do McNab dogs get along with other dogs? Are McNabs OK with other dogs?

McNabs are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do McNab dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are McNabs friendly with strangers?

McNabs are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do McNabs like to play? Are McNabs playful?

McNabs have an average level of playfulness. The McNabs, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are McNab easily trained?

McNab dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Good intelligence
    McNab dogs are known to be intelligent and easy to train.
  • Energetic
    These dogs have a lot of energy and are well-suited for active families.
  • Protective
    McNab dogs are known to be loyal and protective of their families.
  • Good with children
    These dogs are generally good with children and make good family pets.
  • Rarely barks
    If you're looking for a quieter breed, this one could be a good option as they are known for being relatively silent.

Cons

  • High energy
    McNab dogs require a lot of exercise and may not be suitable for people who are unable to provide them with regular physical activity.
  • Herding instinct
    These dogs have a strong herding instinct and may try to herd small children or pets.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    McNabs are not suited to the office environment
  • Independent
    McNab dogs can be independent and may be difficult to train if not properly socialized.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    If you have allergies, you may want to avoid McNabs, as they have been known to cause allergic reactions.
  • Training
    McNab dogs may be stubborn and may require consistent training to prevent behavioral issues.
  • Socialization
    It is important to socialize McNab dogs early and often to prevent them from becoming aggressive towards strangers.
  • Temperament
    McNab dogs may be headstrong and may be difficult to train if not properly socialized.