5 Facts About McNab Shepherds
McNab Shepherds are medium-sized herding dogs that are great farm dogs & family companions. Here are a few more facts about McNab Shepherds:
Read more →McNab Shepherd Puppies for Sale
Breed Characteristics
Average Size: Medium
Average Lifespan: 13-15 years
Kid/Pet Friendly: Sometimes
Registry: other
Activity Level: high
Shedding Level: moderate
Grooming Level: moderate
Trainability: high
Good For Novice Owners: low
Adaptability: moderate
Prey Drive: high
Watchdog: very alert
Breed Information
Overview
The McNab Shepherd, also called the McNab, McNab Stock Dog, McNab Collie, McNab Sheepdog, McNab Herding Dog, and McNab Cattle Dog, is a herding dog that originated in Northern California in the late 1800s. Their ancestry includes Scotch Collies. Alexander McNab crossed these dogs with herding dogs from Basque Shepherds who immigrated to the region to create the original McNab Shepherd lines.
When Alexander McNab passed away in 1901, his son, John McNab, inherited the family ranch and continued developing what would officially become the McNab Shepherd. By the mid-1940s, McNabs were the most popular sheep dogs in the “Redwood Empire”, a specific area along the north coast of California.
McNab Cattle Dogs were initially bred in the Mendocino region of California to herd sheep. However, their “loose-eyed” herding style means they tend to work more independently than other herding breeds and can both head and heel stock. This means they are adept at getting behind livestock and driving them forward as well as being able to skillfully turn them from the front as well.
Because of their skills and adaptability, stock handlers began using them for herding cattle as well as sheep. Now, one of the facts about McNab Shepherds is that they have a proven track record of being able to herd sheep, cattle, llamas, horses, goats, chickens, and even geese. Until recently, the McNab was relatively unknown outside of California. However, their keen herding and sporting abilities have contributed to them gaining popularity and notoriety.
Although wineries have replaced the McNab family ranch, the original 10,000 acres plus are now referred to as “McNab Valley” and enthusiasts for the McNab Shepherd dog breed are still committed to preserving the lines and traditions. Although the McNab Shepherd is not currently recognized by any major kennel club, they can be registered with the McNab Shepherd Registry.
Temperament
McNabs are affectionate dogs that bond closely with their families. They are very much family-oriented dogs that are sensitive and in tune with their favorite humans. They tend to get along well with children, dogs, and other pets in the family. They do tend to be vigilant watchdogs with guardian instincts over their family and territory.
This makes them naturally wary and suspicious of strangers. A well-socialized and trained McNab Shepherd will bark to alert you and will tend to warm up to strangers once introduced, but they may still be initially aloof until someone becomes more familiar. You may want to train your dog to stop barking early on to make sure alert-barking does not become nuisance-barking.
Did You Know?
A McNab Shepherd named Topsey won the Calistoga, California Napa County Fair Sheep Dog Trials in 1950. In addition to being incredible herding dogs for all types of farm animals, these McNab Shepherds can also be found working as police dogs, military dogs, and search and rescue dogs.
They have excelled as evidence search dogs, archaeology dogs, cadaver dogs, and search dogs specifically for locating missing persons. They also tend to make good service dogs and therapy dogs and are also capable hunting dogs.
Available McNab Shepherd Puppies
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