McNab

		McNab
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			U.S.A.

A brief presentation of the McNab

The McNab is a friendly, hard-working, obedient, protective yet well-mannered dog. They're full of energy and love to be around children, often engaging in playful, energetic games and showing them real affection. This type of dog likes a lot of space and enjoys living on a farm or in a country house. They adapt well to city life, but are too lively for apartments, as long as they go for a walk or run every day. The McNab is easy to train. They listen well and obey their owner. You'll have less repetition of lessons with this fast learner. They're eager to learn and then want to show you how well they've learned a new trick. The McNab's appearance varies considerably, but its fur is never long. They look well-groomed with a single smooth coat, or a little softer with their dense double coat. McNabs never seem to tire and have been used for search and rescue, as cadaver dogs and in archaeology. This truly incredible dog is limited only by its owner's energy.

History of the McNab

The McNab is a recent innovation in dog breeds in recent years. When Alexander McNab moved to California from his beloved Scotland, he needed a good dog to help guard his 4,000-hectare sheep ranch while living in the Hopland region. Harsh conditions and changing weather patterns, as well as wild predators always looking for an easy meal, were among the challenges he faced. The Scotsman decided to develop a herding dog capable of withstanding harsh conditions, obedient and with enough energy for the rugged terrain. McNab crossed the Scottish Collies he had brought with some of the tough dogs of the nomadic herders he met in the region. The new breed became known as the McNab Shepherd. The land hit the tough Scot hard and, in the early 1900s, he bequeathed his ranch to John, his youngest son. John was a lawyer and rancher. He took a keen interest in the line of dogs his father had bred. He began to reinvigorate his father's breeding style, adding additional lines of dogs imported from Scotland. McNab dogs became well known as supreme herding dogs in the California area, with many breeders eager to obtain one. As a result, the McNab spread throughout the USA and Canada. Some of them worked as butcher dogs in Germany and as sporting dogs in Japan. They are highly prized for their abundant energy and strong work ethic, as well as for their affectionate, loyal companionship.

Appearance of the McNab

The McNab has a sleek, sporty look, with an inquisitive, alert expression on their friendly faces. Often small to medium-sized, their bodies are lean but muscular. Weighing up to 23 kilos, the McNab loves to run and work. They have deep chests and long, elegant legs ending in catlike paws that give them great agility. The long body slopes slightly towards the tail and has a slightly contracted belly. An elegant, slender neck supports their pointed head, which is rounded at the top. The ears are wide apart, set high and alert, but some roll back at the tips. McNab black is the best-known color, and these often carry random white patches, but they come in other colors like red, brown or tricolor. They have almond-shaped eyes that are wide apart, so they'll always see you coming, no matter how quiet you are. The coat is never long on a McNab but can vary from smooth double layer to short to dense. They look elegant, their coat is often glossy and fits their body perfectly. The chic McNab is an independent dog that is not averse to cuddles and attention.

Temperament of the McNab

McNabs are known for their method of working and their ability to move stock exactly where they want it. They're proficient at both rearing and heeling, which a layperson might think means they can flip stock from the front or get behind it and move it forward from the back. Not limited to sheep, they have also been used to drive cattle well. Not only that, this versatile dog can herd geese, flock goats, llamas and even round up horses from the pasture. These hard-working dogs have a strong bond with their family, even with other animals in the family group. They have a strong sense of territory and never stray far from home, content to be defenders and protectors of their loved ones. The McNab has an assertive streak and if left to escape, they can become bossy. They need a strong leader who is firm and compliant with their rules, and who is skilled in dog training techniques. These dogs need lots of time with the family; they'll be part of the family and, as such, will enjoy being with you most of the time. Families who love the look of this extraordinary dog will need plenty of time to spend with their four-legged friend.

Needs and activities of the McNab

The McNab dog is no stranger to running and herding. He can do it all, and can do it for years. The country is perfect for this dog, although he can adapt to city life if he gets plenty of exercise. If you like running, you'll have an ideal partner. This dog also enjoys mental challenges and loves to work. Agility trials and disciens dog competitions will therefore suit this true athlete perfectly. Although they can be independent and driven, they will respond well to training. They need a good leader, firm but fair. They are never aggressive unless they are protecting you or the family, which they will do without hesitation. Long walks in the countryside or on the beach suit this friendly dog, who gets on well with other dogs and other species, like your cat. Left alone, they can become bored and destructive, needing to exercise their muscles to keep them out of trouble.

Maintenance of the McNab

The McNab is an easy dog to care for. Its coat only needs a good brushing once a week to keep it looking well groomed. Unless they're rolling around in the mud, they rarely need a bath. Often, a wipe with a damp cloth will have their coat gleaming again in no time. If you do decide to wash them, use a mild dog shampoo. These are made to protect the dog's natural oils which provide protection against the dog's weather. Check the whole body as you brush, just in case your dog is injured or some burrs get stuck in the coat and cause discomfort. Don't forget to brush your dog's teeth two or three times a week to give him sweet breath and keep those pearly whites bright. Regular maintenance involves checking the ears and wiping them gently from time to time, as dirt and wax can trigger inflammation. Then, just a clip of the nails and the McNab is ready to go partying.