McNab Dog Breeders: Complete Guide to Ownership

The McNab dog is a versatile breed that thrives on physical and mental stimulation. Originally bred for herding and ranch work, they require daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Their intelligence and strong work ethic make them a great fit for active families or individuals who can provide the necessary physical and mental challenges. With proper training, McNabs can excel in various dog sports and activities.

Their medium to large size means they need plenty of space to run around and play, but they're also happy to adapt to smaller living situations with regular exercise.

Discover more: How Much Exercise Do Border Collies Need

The McNab dog is a medium-sized breed with a well-proportioned and agile build.

Their height range is between 18 to 25 inches at the shoulder, with females standing slightly shorter than males.

McNab dogs typically weigh between 35 to 65 pounds, with females weighing less than males.

Their coats can vary in color, including black, red, blonde, blue, lilac, and sable, with possible variations of solid, added white, or added white and tan.

Check this out: Mcnab Dog vs Border Collie

The McNab coat is close, dense, and weather resistant, with a short to medium length and a single or double coat type.

One of the distinctive features of the McNab is their cat-like feet, which contribute to their agility.

Their eyes are set well apart, almond-shaped, and brown, hazel, or copper-colored.

Tails can be either short or long, and ear sets range from pricked to floppy.

Recommended read: Long Haired Pembroke Welsh Corgi

McNab Shepherds require daily physical exercise and mental stimulation, making them a great fit for active families or individuals.

They can become restless if isolated or neglected, so it's essential to provide them with plenty of exercise and attention.

Unlike some other herding breeds, McNabs are not hyperactive, but they do need regular physical activity to stay happy and healthy.

Their keen sense of territory means they seldom wander away from home, making them a great choice for families who live in areas with limited space.

Recommended read: Dog Food Making Dogs Sick

However, they can be assertive and demanding, so it's crucial to have a firm and consistent training approach, using positive reinforcement methods.

Highly intelligent and quick to learn, McNabs need to exercise their brain as much as their body, which means setting aside plenty of time for training and mental stimulation.

They are not aggressive but can be wary of strangers, which is why they do best with experienced owners who can provide them with the socialization and training they need.

Their strong work ethic and loyalty make them invaluable on ranches and farms, but they also make great companions for active families or individuals.

With proper training and socialization, McNabs can form strong bonds with their owners and thrive in a variety of environments.

Broaden your view: Are German Shepherds Good for First Time Owners

To give your McNab the best possible life, you'll want to consider their specific care and feeding needs. McNabs are highly adaptable dogs, but they thrive in environments with plenty of space to roam, such as a securely fenced yard or a country farm.

They require a great deal of mental and physical stimulation every day, so be prepared to provide plenty of exercise and activities to keep them engaged. If you're not ready to commit to this level of care, a McNab might not be the best fit for you.

A high-quality diet is essential for a McNab's health and energy levels. Feed them 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals.

Intriguing read: Dog Food for High Energy Dogs

The McNab Shepherd needs a lot of space to roam around, so a securely fenced yard or a country farm or ranch is ideal. This will help prevent him from chasing cars, which can be a problem due to his herding instinct.

He requires a great deal of mental and physical stimulation every day, which can be a challenge for owners who don't know what they're getting into. This means you'll need to provide him with plenty of exercise and mental activities to keep him happy and healthy.

Dog sports are a great way to give your McNab Shepherd the physical and mental stimulation he needs, especially if you don't have a farm with sheep.

Suggestion: Mcnab Collie

Feeding your McNab requires attention to detail, as they have unique nutritional needs.

The recommended daily amount is 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals.

A highly active dog will need more food than a less active one, so it's essential to consider your McNab's lifestyle when deciding on their diet.

The quality of dog food also makes a difference, with better food requiring less quantity to nourish your dog.

It's crucial to feed correct portion sizes, as underfeeding can be detrimental to these energetic dogs.

Morning and evening feedings are recommended, with the food having feeding amount suggestions to follow.

Consult your veterinarian on the appropriate amount to feed based on your McNab's weight for personalized advice.

Consider reading: What to Feed Dogs If No Dog Food

The McNab dog is a medium-sized breed that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Expect to provide at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day.

For apartment dwellers, the McNab's adaptability score is 3 stars, which means they can adapt to city living, but may require more frequent exercise and attention.

The McNab's barking tendencies are rated 2 stars, indicating occasional barking, so be prepared to address any potential noise issues.

To keep your McNab clean and well-groomed, aim for a grooming score of 3 stars, which means regular brushing and occasional bathing will suffice.

The McNab's life span is 13-15 years, so be prepared for a long-term commitment to caring for your furry friend.

Here's a quick rundown of the McNab's characteristics:

With proper care and attention, your McNab will thrive and become a beloved member of your family.

The McNab Dog is an incredibly energetic breed that requires a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy.

They can herd all day with no breaks, and their stamina and endurance seem endless, which is why they do best with active families who have the time to devote to them.

A simple walk around the block will not suffice with this dog, and they need a fenced and secured yard to run and play.

McNabs love running, hiking, and swimming, and they excel in agility, rallying, herding, and other dog sports.

Refrain from overexercising a McNab puppy until around 14 months of age, as excessive running and jumping can damage their bones and joints.

This breed is renowned for their incredible endurance, covering over a hundred miles a day driving their herds, which is a testament to their boundless energy.

McNabs are also becoming increasingly popular in the world of dog sports, competing successfully in agility trials, dock diving, and other high-energy activities.

Recommended read: Are Border Collies High Energy

The McNab dog breed is known for their gentle disposition and loyalty, making them an excellent choice for families with children. They form strong bonds with family members, including youngsters, and their intelligence and patience make them excellent companions.

Their herding instincts may result in a protective and watchful demeanor, but with early socialization, they learn to behave around children and other pets. Teaching children how to interact respectfully with the McNab is essential, emphasizing gentle handling and proper boundaries.

McNabs typically get along well with other pets when introduced gradually and positively, thanks to their adaptable nature. This makes them a great fit for multi-pet households, provided that proper introductions and supervision are maintained.

However, it's essential to exercise caution if you have smaller animals, such as guinea pigs or gerbils, as their strong herding abilities may lead to chasing. Socializing them at a young age is crucial to ensure they get along with other pets in the home.

Check this out: Can Pit Bulls Make Good Pets

If you're considering bringing a McNab Shepherd into your life, it's essential to think about their rescue and health needs. McNab Dogs are often purchased without a clear understanding of what goes into owning one, which can lead to a higher likelihood of ending up in rescue.

McNab Shepherds can end up in rescue organizations, and some may even find their way to Border Collie rescue groups. This is because McNab Shepherds aren't as popular as other herding breeds, and many McNabs need adoption and/or fostering.

If you're interested in adopting a McNab Shepherd, you may want to start your search with organizations that also help Border Collies, such as the ones listed below:

The McNab Shepherd is currently not recognized as a standardized breed by any major kennel club, including the American Kennel Club (AKC).

A group of McNab Shepherd breeders and enthusiasts established the McNab Shepherd Registry (MSR) in 2014 to continue the betterment, advancement, and welfare of the McNab Shepherd.

The MSR exclusively utilizes discovered genetic markers and DNA verification for registration, making it a "founding registry".

The MSR worked with Mars Veterinary on a study in 2014 to establish a unique genetic signature for the McNab Shepherd, collecting samples from McNabs across the United States.

The study found that the tested dogs had a unique genetic signature, supporting the creation of a unique breed signature for the McNab Shepherd.

The tested dogs were also evaluated for certain physical traits and over 100 disease-causing mutations to help establish a baseline for these in the McNab population.

Broaden your view: American Kennel Club Lancashire Heeler

McNab dogs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain conditions.

Their average life span is 13-15 years, which is a testament to their hardy nature.

Some McNabs may carry the MDR1 mutant gene, making them sensitive to Ivermectin, a common ingredient in heartworm prevention medications. This can cause serious health problems or even death.

A DNA test is available to determine if a McNab has the mutation, which can be completed by sending a cheek swab through the mail to Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a healthy weight can help manage symptoms of hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that can lead to arthritis and mobility issues.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a group of genetic eye disorders that can cause vision impairment and blindness. Responsible breeding practices involve screening for PRA to reduce the risk of passing this condition to offspring.

McNabs can develop allergies to environmental factors, certain foods, or substances, which can manifest as skin irritations, ear infections, or digestive issues. Identifying and avoiding allergens and veterinary guidance can help manage allergic reactions.

Additional reading: Catahoula Leopard Dog Health Problems

Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) is a genetic eye disorder that can affect McNab Collies, causing varying degrees of severity and potentially manifesting early in life.

Here are some common health issues associated with McNab dogs:

If you're considering bringing a McNab Shepherd into your life, you may not know where to start when it comes to finding a rescue group. McNab Dogs are often purchased without a clear understanding of what owning one entails.

Many McNab Shepherds end up in Border Collie rescues, so you may want to start your search there.

McNab Stock Dog Rescue is a Facebook group dedicated to rehoming McNab Shepherds. If you're interested in adopting or fostering a McNab, this group is a great place to start.

Here are some reputable Border Collie rescue groups that often have McNab Shepherds available for adoption: