The Complete Guide to McNab Dogs

McNab dogs are a unique breed that originated in California, USA, in the late 19th century.

They were bred to be working dogs, specifically to herd sheep and cattle on ranches. Their intelligence, athleticism, and strong work ethic made them well-suited for this purpose.

McNab dogs are a cross between a Border Collie and an Australian Kelpie, two breeds known for their herding ability and intelligence. This mix has resulted in a dog that is highly trainable and eager to please.

The McNab dog's original purpose was to work on ranches, where they would help herd and manage livestock.

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The McNab dog is known for its bold and assertive nature, which can sometimes be demanding and require firm, consistent training. They are highly intelligent and quick to learn, but they need mental stimulation as much as physical exercise.

McNab dogs are not hyperactive, but they do require plenty of daily physical exercise and mental stimulation to prevent restlessness and boredom. If isolated or neglected, they can become destructive.

McNab dogs are extremely loyal and loving, and they form strong bonds with their human families. They can be wary of strangers, but they are not aggressive. They tend to bond closer to the person they spend the most time with, making them a great companion for active families.

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The McNab Shepherd's temperament is a unique blend of boldness and loyalty. They are highly intelligent and quick to learn, but they can be assertive and demanding if not properly trained.

Their loose-eyed herding style allows them to work independently, and they're skilled at both heading and heeling stock. This means they can adapt to different working conditions and environments.

McNab Shepherds are known for their incredible endurance, covering over a hundred miles a day driving their herds. They require a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

They bond tightly to their family members, including other household pets, and have a keen sense of territory. This means they're unlikely to wander away from home, but they'll defend their territory and family members if necessary.

These dogs need experienced owners who can train using positive reinforcement, as they're highly sensitive. They thrive on routine and consistency, and their trainers should be firm but gentle.

McNab Shepherds are not aggressive, but they can be wary of strangers. They form strong bonds with their humans, but may bond closer to the person they spend the most time with.

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A loose-eyed herding style is a unique characteristic of some herding breeds. This style means they work independently, often focusing on the stock rather than the handler.

They can head and heel stock, which is a valuable skill in herding. This means they can turn the stock from the front or get behind and drive them forward.

This versatility makes them a valuable asset on the farm or ranch.

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McNab dogs are generally a hardy breed with no breed-specific health problems, living up to 13-15 years on average.

Their life expectancy is quite impressive, but there is one potential health concern to be aware of. McNab dogs may carry the MDR1 mutant gene, which makes them sensitive to Ivermectin, a common ingredient in heartworm prevention medications.

This sensitivity can cause serious health problems or even death, so it's essential to know whether your McNab dog carries the mutation. A DNA test is available through the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, which can be completed by sending a cheek swab through the mail.

If you're planning to breed McNab dogs, it's worth noting that a McNab Shepherd dam and sire who have been tested and do not carry the MDR1 gene will not pass it on to their offspring.

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McNab dogs are generally a hardy breed with no breed-specific health problems, living an average of 13-15 years.

Their lifespan is impressive, but it's essential to be aware of a potential genetic issue. McNab dogs may carry the MDR1 mutant gene, which makes them sensitive to Ivermectin, a common ingredient in heartworm prevention medications.

This sensitivity can lead to serious health problems or even death, so it's crucial to test your McNab dog for the MDR1 gene. A DNA test is available through the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, which can be completed by sending a cheek swab through the mail.

If your McNab dog has been tested and found to carry the MDR1 gene, you'll need to choose a different heartworm prevention medication. This is a vital consideration to ensure your dog's health and well-being.

While McNab dogs are generally healthy, they may be prone to certain health conditions. Here are some potential issues to be aware of:

It's worth noting that if a McNab Shepherd dam and sire have been tested and do not carry the MDR1 gene, their offspring will not carry it either.

When considering the dietary needs of your McNab, it's essential to provide a high-protein, high-quality diet suitable for their age, whether that's puppy, adult, or senior.

Their energetic nature requires the right amount of food to maintain their energy and stamina.

A diet that includes artificial preservatives or fillers should be avoided, as it can be detrimental to their health.

Feeding the correct portion sizes is crucial, and the food packaging will often have feeding amount suggestions to follow.

You can also consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount to feed based on your dog's weight.

Splitting daily meals into two, with morning and evening feedings, is a good practice to maintain a consistent energy level throughout the day.

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The McNab Dog's grooming needs are relatively simple, but regular attention is still essential. They have a short, protective undercoat and a smooth, weather-resistant top coat that requires a nice brushing once a week.

Their coats are low maintenance, but they do shed more in the spring and fall. Regular grooming can help remove dead and loose hair during these times.

To keep their nails healthy, make sure to keep them at an appropriate length. This will prevent overgrowth and potential problems.

Checking their ears often is also crucial, as they need to be cleaned when necessary. A clean ear is a happy ear, after all!

Establishing a dental routine is also vital, with regular teeth brushings using a toothpaste designed specifically for canines. This will help keep their teeth and gums healthy.

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Alexander McNab left Scotland in the late 19th century to homestead a 10,000 acre sheep ranch in what's now Hopland, California. He had a vision to develop a herding dog that could handle the rough conditions on his ranch.

The McNab dog was born from Alexander's breeding of Scottish Collies with the tough dogs of the nomadic Basque sheepherders he met near his ranch. This unique cross gave the McNab its distinctive characteristics.

John McNab, Alexander's son, later became the sole owner of the McNab Ranch and made several importations from Scotland in the early 1900s, including a red dog named Ready, which contributed to the occasional appearance of red pups in a litter.

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The McNab's breed status is a bit unique. Currently, the McNab is not recognized as a standardized breed by any major kennel club, including the American Kennel Club (AKC).

In 2014, a group of McNab Shepherd breeders and enthusiasts took matters into their own hands and established the McNab Shepherd Registry (MSR). The MSR is a "founding registry" that exclusively uses genetic markers and DNA verification for registration.

Their goal is to continue the betterment, advancement, and welfare of the McNab Shepherd. The MSR is working towards establishing a unique breed signature for the McNab through a study with Mars Veterinary.

Samples collected from McNabs across the United States were evaluated for their genetic signature and found to support the creation of a unique breed signature for the McNab.

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Alexander McNab left his native Scotland in the late 19th century to homestead a 10,000 acre sheep ranch in Hopland, California. He had a vision of developing a herding dog that could handle the rough conditions on his ranch.

Alexander McNab's dogs, which he aptly called "McNab Shepherds", were developed by crossing Scottish Collies he brought with him with the tough dogs of the nomadic Basque sheepherders he met near his ranch.

The McNab Ranch was later passed down to John McNab, Alexander's son, who became sole owner and made several importations from the Grampian Hills of Scotland, including a red dog called Ready.

Ready is often cited as the reason that there are occasionally red pups in a litter. The McNab Shepherds proved to be supreme herding dogs that California ranchers came to depend on with confidence.

The McNab is a remarkable breed with a rich history that spans over a century. Alexander McNab, a Scotsman, left his native Scotland in the late 19th century to homestead a 10,000-acre sheep ranch in Northern California.

He brought with him Scottish Collies, which he crossed with the tough dogs of the nomadic Basque sheepherders he met near his ranch. This unique combination of breeds resulted in the creation of the McNab Shepherd.

The McNab Ranch, later known as Hopland, California, became a hub for the development of this exceptional herding dog. John McNab, Alexander's son, continued his father's breeding style and refined the McNab Shepherd, importing additional dogs from Scotland for breeding and ranching purposes.

Over time, the McNab dogs proved to be supreme herding dogs, and California ranchers came to depend on them with confidence. Today, the breed is spreading across the United States and Canada, with some McNabs even working as stock dogs in Germany and Japan.

Here's a brief overview of the McNab's key characteristics:

The McNab's loyalty, intelligence, and friendly nature make them an excellent addition to active families and experienced owners.