McNab Collie

People usually end up searching for the McNab Collie when they’re weighing up a high-energy working dog for life on acreage, sport, or a household that already runs at full pace. The details matter: get the history, exercise needs, and health risks wrong, and you can end up with a bored, driven dog inventing its own work.

The McNab (also called the McNab Shepherd or McNab stock dog) is a ranch-bred herding dog from Northern California, shaped by heat, rough country, and livestock that don’t politely wait at the gate. What follows is a clear, practical look at where the breed came from, what it’s like to live with, and what to check before you bring one home.^{1, 2}

Quick facts (at a glance)

• Size: Medium
• Height: About 40–54 cm (females), 45–66 cm (males)¹
• Weight: About 14–23 kg (females), 16–30 kg (males)¹
• Coat: Smooth/short to medium; dense and weather-resistant (not a long-coated breed)¹
• Colours: Often black or red with white markings; colour range is broader than “black and white” alone¹
• Lifespan: Commonly around 13–15 years (individuals vary)¹
• Energy level: Very high; bred to work all day

Where the McNab comes from (and what it was bred to do)

The McNab is not an Australian breed. It developed in Northern California, associated with Alexander McNab, a Scottish immigrant who needed a tough, practical sheepdog for dry heat, foxtails, burrs, and long days on big country.^{1, 3}

Accounts vary in the finer points, but the consistent thread is this: McNab-type dogs were selected for working ability first, with additional dogs brought from Scotland over time to suit the job on Californian ranches.^{1, 3, 4}

Breed recognition: what it is (and isn’t)

You may see McNabs described as “officially recognised” by major kennel clubs. In practice, the McNab is not recognised as a standardised breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC).¹

In Australia, the main pedigree registry is Dogs Australia (formerly the Australian National Kennel Council). If you’re trying to confirm whether a breed is formally recognised for pedigree registration and showing, Dogs Australia is the relevant authority to check.¹⁰

Temperament and day-to-day behaviour

McNabs are alert, fast, and intensely observant. Many work with a more independent style than some other herding breeds: they can make decisions at speed when stock breaks and dust is in the air, and they’re expected to keep going when the handler is still closing the gate behind them.¹

That same drive can be a poor fit for a quiet household. Without enough structured work, training, and decompression time, a McNab can default to self-appointed jobs: circling, shadow-chasing, pestering other pets, or “herding” children and visitors. It isn’t spite. It’s momentum with nowhere to go.

Who they tend to suit

• People who genuinely enjoy training most days, not just “when there’s time”.
• Homes with space and a plan for off-lead running (in safe, legal areas) plus skill-building.
• Working properties, or dog sports households that can offer real weekly outlets.

Who should pause and think

• First-time dog owners who want a dog that is “easy” rather than simply “trainable”.
• Homes where the dog will regularly be under-exercised or left to entertain itself.
• Households that can’t manage high chase/herding instincts around small animals.

Coat, grooming, and practical care

Most McNabs wear a close, practical coat: smooth/short to medium, built for the field rather than the show ring.¹

Grooming is usually straightforward, but the environment matters. Dogs that run through grass seed country and scrub need routine checks of paws, ears, and coat for burrs and foxtails, especially in warmer months.

Training and exercise: what “high energy” looks like in real life

A McNab typically needs both physical exercise and mental work. Long walks help, but they rarely satisfy the whole animal. These dogs were shaped for tasks that require thinking while moving.

For training style, reward-based methods are the safest default. Evidence-based behaviour guidance from veterinary behaviour specialists supports using reward-based training approaches for effectiveness and welfare.⁷

Useful outlets (beyond daily walks)

• Herding lessons with a qualified trainer (where available and appropriate)
• Agility, scent work, or structured retrieving games
• “Real-world” obedience: recall under distraction, calm leash skills, settling on cue
• Puzzle feeding and short skill sessions that end before the dog fades

Health considerations to know before you commit

No dog breed is “free of health issues”, and it’s worth being specific about what can matter in a McNab.

MDR1 (multidrug sensitivity)

McNabs are among the breeds for which MDR1 (ABCB1) testing is considered relevant. Dogs with this genetic variant can have dangerous reactions to certain medications, and results should be shared with your vet before treatments are prescribed.⁸

Orthopaedic and eye checks

As with many active medium-sized herding dogs, sensible breeders and owners pay attention to hips and eyes. Ask what health screening has been done in the breeding lines, and request documentation rather than relying on verbal assurances.

Working ability: what they’re known for

McNabs are widely associated with ranch work in California, valued for stamina, agility, and their ability to move stock in rough terrain and heat.^{1, 5}

They can also do well in dog sports and other roles when their drive is channelled. The common thread is structured work, not simply “being active”.

Choosing a breeder (or choosing adoption)

If you’re seeing McNabs advertised online, slow down. A responsible decision here saves years of problems later.

Simple checks that catch most bad situations

• Never buy a puppy without meeting it in person, and seeing where it’s been raised.⁶
• Be wary of sellers pushing quick deposits, freight “extras”, or delivery without inspection.⁹
• Ask for proof of health testing relevant to the parents (including MDR1/ABCB1 where appropriate) and discuss results with your vet.⁸
• Look for calm, practical honesty about drive, exercise needs, and where the puppies won’t suit.

Rescue and rehoming

Adoption can be a good path, especially if you’re open to an adult dog whose temperament is already visible. RSPCA guidance is to consider reputable welfare and rehoming organisations, and to avoid “buying blind” online.⁶

Final thoughts

The McNab is a purpose-built herding dog: medium-sized, quick on its feet, and happiest when it has a job that makes sense. In the right hands, it’s steady, responsive, and quietly impressive. In the wrong setting, it can become a whirlwind of unused ability.

If your day-to-day life has room for training, movement, and thoughtful management, the McNab can slot in like it was always meant to be there.

References

1. McNab dog (McNab Shepherd) – overview, appearance, lifespan, breed status
2. McNab Shepherd Historical Society – McNab family history and common myths
3. The McNab Stockdog Foundation – breed description and historical notes
4. McNab Shepherd Historical Society – background on the McNab Shepherd in Northern California
5. Anderson Valley Advertiser (2016) – reporting on McNab Shepherds and ranch use in Mendocino County
6. RSPCA Knowledgebase – red flags when buying a pet online (don’t buy sight unseen)
7. American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) – Humane Dog Training Position Statement (reward-based methods)
8. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – MDR1 (ABCB1) Multidrug Sensitivity test information (includes McNab Shepherd)
9. RSPCA Pet Insurance – tips for safely buying a pet and avoiding common scams
10. Dogs Australia – national kennel club body information (ANKC/Dogs Australia)