McNab

The McNab is a breed of working and herding dog, agile and energetic, originally from the United States. It is known for its intelligence, herding abilities and loyalty to its family.

General details

The McNab is a medium to large sized dog, with an average weight between 15 and 30 kg. Their height at the withers is between 45 and 58 cm. As for their life expectancy, it is estimated that they can live between 12 and 15 years.

Breed history in brief

The McNab is a breed of dog originating in the United States, specifically in Mendocino County, California. Its creation is attributed to Alexander McNab, who in the mid-19th century developed these working dogs to help him in his work as a cattle rancher. The McNab is the result of crossing several sheepdogs, including the Collie, the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd. Over time, a standard was established for the breed, focusing on its herding abilities and adaptation to the rural environment. Throughout history, the McNab has played a key role in livestock husbandry, working in driving and managing flocks of sheep and cattle. In today's society, the McNab continues to play an important role in rural life, but they have also found their place in homes as active companion dogs and in sporting activities such as agility and herding.

Breed characteristics

The McNab is a medium sized dog with a strong, proportionate head. The eyes are almond-shaped and generally dark, giving it an alert and intelligent expression. Its ears are triangular, medium sized and carried erect when the dog is at attention. The tail is carried low at rest, but is raised and curved slightly upward when the dog is in motion. It has a dense, weather-resistant coat, which protects it during its work in the field. Its coat can be medium to short in length, with a smooth or slightly wavy texture. The most common color is black, although specimens can also be found in shades of brown, blue or red, often with white markings on the chest, legs or face. They are extremely energetic, agile dogs with great endurance, which makes them excellent workers in the field. They possess a natural herding instinct, showing abilities to control and manage herds efficiently.

Common health problems

Some of these conditions include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye diseases such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, thyroid problems, and skin allergy problems.