McNab Dog Breed Facts & Personality

Until recently, the McNab dog was one of California’s well-kept secrets. These days, the breed has garnered attention outside the state for its impressive athleticism, brains, and even-keel temperament. 

Thanks to its ancestry—a blend of Scotch Collie and a variety of shepherds—this dog is an intelligent and high-energy breed. Also called the McNab Collie, McNab Shepherd, or McNab Cattle Dog, this breed excels in many arenas, including dog sports, search and rescue, and therapy work. 

“Just about any job you want a McNab to do, they can do,” says Ron Prentice, breeder and owner of Rockin’ KR McNabs. Likewise, a McNab will gladly participate in recreational activities like agility training, dock diving, and barn hunting. 

While they make exceptional herding and working dogs, McNabs can also thrive as family pets—provided they’re given lots and lots of physical and mental stimulation. These dogs need ample opportunities to run, play, and put their minds to work. Families with the time and willingness to engage them will be rewarded with a loyal and protective companion. What’s more, these dogs are moderate barkers, minimal shedders, and considerably calmer than many other similar breeds.

McNab Appearance

McNabs are medium-sized dogs with an athletic build. A balanced frame allows them to change speed and direction swiftly, helping them succeed at herding and dog sports. Another defining trait is their small, cat-like feet, which enhance their agility and help to distinguish them from the very similar Border Collie. 

Because they were bred to endure the intense California sun, McNabs sport a short, dense, and weather-resistant topcoat. This also helps them avoid picking up burrs and foxtails. The breed has a protective undercoat as well. Usually, their coat is black or brown with white markings down the muzzle, around the collar, on the feet, and at the tip of the tail. But they can also be solid-colored or tri-colored. Some will even have red or blonde coats. 

Additionally, McNabs have distinctive triangular ears that will change as they grow, says Nicole Marlin, a McNab breeder and owner of Iron Oak Stockdogs. “McNab puppies have floppy ears,” she says. “Their ears don’t start to stand up until about 8 weeks of age, and then they set in place once they’re done teething.” This final stage varies from straight up or “pricked” to semi-erect, and some sets may be mismatched.

These variations are seen in the McNab’s tail too. “They can have long tails, docked tails, or naturally bobbed tails,” Marlin says. Their eyes range from hazel to dark brown. Blue eyes are undesirable, according to the breed registry. These dogs reach their full size around 1-1.5 years of age.

Lastly, Marlin explains that McNabs are most commonly crossed with Border Collies and Australian Cattle Dogs. “Though it is not uncommon to see them mixed with Kelpies or Australian Shepherds as well,” she says.  

McNab History

A relatively new breed, McNabs were developed in the late 19th century by Scottish rancher Alexander McNab. After relocating from Scotland to a 10,000-acre sheep ranch in Northern California, he discovered a drastic change in landscape. So, he set about developing a herding breed that would be better suited to this rugged and hot environment.

Since McNab loved Scotch Collies for their tireless work ethic and stamina, he returned to Scotland to retrieve two of these dogs, Peter and Fred. He brought the pair back to America, where he bred them with local shepherds. McNab chose dogs with tight, short coats for breeding to help this new line of dogs cope with the heat.

When he died in 1901, the ranch was passed to his youngest son, John McNab, who continued to refine the breed. The McNab dog became hugely popular with California ranchers. They were originally bred to herd sheep, but this aptitude ultimately extended to other animals, including cattle, geese, goats, llamas, and horses. 

Currently, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize the McNab dog. However, the McNab Shepherd Registry (MSR) was established in 2014 with the aim of preserving the breed’s genetic signature. As their popularity has grown, McNabs are now eager participants in dog events and sports across the U.S.

McNab Personality

McNabs are endlessly energetic and whip-smart herding dogs who need tasks that engage their bodies and minds. Work is central to their happiness. They’re also friendly and surprisingly even-tempered dogs eager to please their humans. 

“They need a lot of exercise, and they love to run and play,” says Dr. Alex Crow, MRCVS, a veterinary surgeon and founder of Pet Health Guru. “If you are not able to provide your [them] with enough exercise, they may become bored or destructive,” he adds. Short walks around the block won’t suffice. Rather, McNabs do better with vigorous activities like running, hiking, and swimming. If you don’t have the time to go on a long walk, hire a dog walker to meet their needs. They also make great trail dogs and companions for mountain biking, horseback riding, and hunting.

The breed’s stamina, superior intelligence, nimble feet, and willingness to please mean they also excel at dog sports. McNabs are keen competitors in agility, dock diving, disc dog, lure coursing, skijoring, dog sledding, and flyball. They excel at nose work, and they perform well at barn hunt.

Besides dog sports, this breed works as cadaver dogs (to locate human remains), archeology dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs. They can search for evidence and missing persons, and they’re able to detect bombs and drugs. 

Ideal Environment for a McNab

Unlike other herding breeds, the McNab is not high-strung or skittish, says breeder Ron Prentice. Overall, these dogs are good-natured and warm to all family members, including children and other pets. 

Marlin says these dogs can be quite outgoing if they’re properly socialized with other dogs. As for cats, she says the two can coexist in controlled circumstances. “[McNabs] have a very high prey drive and a desire to herd: two traits that are not usually compatible with a life with cats,” she says. That’s not to say a cat and a McNab can’t get along, but pet parents should take care to introduce them properly. 

One attractive trait of McNabs is their loyalty. These dogs tend to bond closely with their parents. “When you buy a McNab, you buy a relationship—you don’t just buy a dog,” Prentice says. Often, these dogs will choose a favorite person. 

The McNab is also super protective, and they can make watchful guard dogs. Prentice says this sense of territory means they rarely wander far or try to escape. Additionally, he says the breed has a moderate barking tendency, only doing so when alert or excited.

McNabs thrive indoors and outdoors. However, they’re not the best choice for folks who live in small apartments. Instead, they’ll do better with access to wide open spaces for running.

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance dog, this breed isn’t the right match. These dogs need involved parents with enough time and energy to offer lots of exercise and interaction. As such, Marlin says McNabs don’t make the best dogs for first-time dog parents.

McNab Training

Marlin says training a McNab is relatively easy, but they require lots of it. New pet parents should be prepared to set aside 15-30 minutes every day for dedicated training. This can be broken down into smaller intervals to maintain focus. 

McNabs will do best with reward-based positive reinforcement that uses treats, praise, and toys. Consistent obedience training is also beneficial, as it reinforces good behavior while solidifying the bond you share. Consider enrolling your McNab in a dog training class for extra engagement.

Additionally, pet parents should plan on providing at least 1-2 hours of solid exercise daily. Without this, a McNab is liable to get stir-crazy or develop behavioral problems. This breed is a working dog at heart and thrives when given tasks to perform—a trait seen from puppyhood.

Some working tasks and activities you can try with a McNab include:

• Agility courses
• Hide-and-seek games
• Scent work
• Puzzle toys
• Hiking & backpacking
• Running
• Long walks
• Swimming
• Playing fetch
• Bikejoring 
• Skijoring
• Dock diving
• Barn hunting
• Lure coursing
• Disc dog

After all that activity, it’s equally important for a McNab to get some downtime. Set aside a cozy dog bed for them to encourage them to rest and recharge. 

McNab Grooming

McNabs have a short, dense coat that is pretty low-maintenance, and they shed seasonally. An undercoat rake may come in handy when they blow their coats in the spring and fall. But for most of the year, shedding is minimal. 

You can groom a McNab at home using a slicker brush to remove loose hair, debris, and tangles. Aim for weekly brushing sessions to keep their coat healthy and tidy. Make sure to establish a regular nail clipping and teeth brushing schedule too!

McNab Health

Dr. Crow says McNabs are generally healthy and active dogs with a long lifespan between 12 to 15 years.

While the breed isn’t prone to many health problems, they can be susceptible to a few conditions. It’s important to have your McNab regularly examined by a veterinarian and to source pups from conscientious breeders who perform DNA testing. 

A few health conditions you may encounter with a McNab include the following.

• Hip dysplasia: A condition where the ball and socket joint of the hip don’t fit together properly. Hip dysplasia can cause pain and lameness. 
• Elbow dysplasia: Similarly, this is a condition in which the elbow joints don’t develop correctly, causing pain and lameness.
• Von Willebrand’s Disease: A bleeding disorder that makes it difficult for a dog’s blood to clot. There is no cure, but dogs can live a normal life with proper care. 
• Epilepsy: A neurological disorder that results in recurrent seizures. 
• Eye problems: Dr. Crow says McNabs can be prone to a number of eye problems, including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and glaucoma. They may also experience “cherry eye,” entropion, ectropion, and primary lens luxation.
• MDR1 gene mutation: This causes dogs to be sensitive to certain drugs, including Ivermectin (a common ingredient in heartworm medications.) “If a McNab dog with the MDR1 mutation is given ivermectin, it can cause serious health problems or even death,” Dr. Crow says. 

One of the best things you can do to prevent these health problems is to choose a reputable McNab breeder who screens their dogs for health problems. You can also get your McNab tested for the MDR1 gene mutation. Finally, Dr. Crow advises pet parents to keep up with their pup’s regularly scheduled vet visits.

McNab Diet

Because they’re dynamic working dogs, McNabs benefit from high-quality dog food formulated for active breeds. “This diet should be high in protein and fat to provide them with the energy they need to stay active,” says Dr. Crow. He adds that a balanced diet of vitamins, minerals, and fiber is also crucial.

Protein is necessary to build and repair your McNab’s muscles. “A McNab Shepherd puppy should get about 29% protein in their diet, while an adult dog should get about 24-25% protein,” says Dr. Crow. Fat is another important source of energy. Dr. Crow recommends that McNab puppies receive about 15% fat in their diets, while adults should aim for 10-12%.

As for the amount of food they need, there will be slight variations depending on their age and activity level. Generally speaking, adult McNab dogs will need to eat about 2-3 cups of dog food per day. 

12 Alternative Dog Breeds to Consider

First-time McNab parents should prepare for an energetic, driven dog who needs tasks to keep them occupied. This is a rewarding dog to live with, but dog parents should be mindful of the breed’s needs and be honest about their ability to meet them. While the McNab’s intelligence and capacity for work are seen as plus points by some, they’ll prove to be a challenge for many others. 

Some similar breeds to consider include the following.

• Border Collie
• Shetland Sheepdog
• Rough Collie
• Bearded Collie
• Australian Shepherd
• Australian Cattle Dog
• Australian Kelpie
• Cumberland Sheepdog
• Koolie
• English Shepherd
• New Zealand Heading Dog
• Welsh Sheepdog

Where to Find McNabs

Could a McNab be in your future? This is a breed for folks who enjoy the great outdoors and don’t shy away from physical activity. Ideally, McNabs live in a home where they have adequate space to run or with someone who’s willing to take them on grand adventures. If you have an interest in trying competitive dog sports, or you’re looking for a trail partner who can keep up, a McNab might be the dog for you.

The breed’s native California is still the easiest place to find a McNab. You can find a list of reputable breeders on the McNab Shepherd Registry. Alternatively, The McNab Stockdog Foundation offers a list of breeders in good standing. Some McNabs also come up for rescue: You can visit the McNab Stock Dog Rescue community page for rescues in need of a good home.