Mcnab Dog Breed

Below are details and specs for the McNab dog breed.

Size can vary greatly. Weight can range from 35 to 75 pounds; height varies from 15 to 25 inches at the shoulder.

Friendly, hardworking, intelligent, and loyal, McNabs are prized for both their nearly boundless energy and their companionship. Whether for herding, hunting, or just running at top speed, these dogs are great in the outdoors; McNabs are also very affectionate to kids and other animals.

McNabs possess exceptional personal hygiene habits, so they are fairly low-maintenance. They shed moderately, so some cleanup will be required. They are known to require quite a bit of exercise so an active owner or family is ideal. Members of this breed are well-mannered and intelligent, making them easy to train.

These dogs originated in the mid- to late 1800s in Mendocino County, California, as a result of the breeding of Alexander McNab, the Scottish immigrant for whom the breed is named. As a sheep farmer, McNab was not happy with the herding dogs that were available in the rural area in which he lived, so he began importing Scottish Collies from his native country. These he crossbred with a variety of other dog breeds, most notably the Basque Shepherd, to eventually develop what he considered "the perfect herding dog" – the McNab as we know it today. Due to the McNab's distinct markings, dog historians believe McNab must have bred his dogs with Fox Collies at some point, since the two breeds are similar in coloration.

Today, McNabs are still popular as herding dogs, and many people own them as family pets because of their well-mannered temperament and good hygiene.

This breed can vary greatly in appearance from one dog to the next, though practically all McNabs share similar coat markings. A McNab's length is usually a bit more than its height. The head is wedge-shaped, with a long snout; ears are long and triangular, and can be floppy or erect. A McNab's legs are long and nimble, which gives it great speed in the herding fields. Another distinctive characteristic is the McNab's small, "cat-like" feet, which also enhance its agility. And the tail can be either bobbed or long and narrow, and often J-hooked.

Intelligent, well-mannered, and loyal herding dogs, McNabs are known for their excellent work ethic and their affection for people and other animals. This breed tends to be more laid back than its Border Collie cousin, but because of its herding instinct, a McNab can be a "busybody," and will need frequent activities that require mental and physical stimulation. McNabs make excellent family pets; they possess a playful sense of humor, thoroughly enjoy playing games and performing tricks, and are very easy to train.

Another interesting trait is that McNabs have excellent personal hygiene, and clean themselves often.

McNabs are generally healthy and robust, but may occasionally suffer eye problems like primary lens luxation (a hereditary condition that causes disintegration of the corneal lens) or "cherry eye" (the protrusion of the inner eyelid onto the outer surface of the eyeball).