smooth, short or medium, dense and weather-resistant
A lithe, athletic herding dog with a close, dense, weather-proof coat. Ear carriage ranges from upright to folded, tails may be naturally short or long, and its compact, cat-like feet help make it very nimble.1
Coloursblack with white markingsred with white markingsblonde with white markingstricolour1
Personality what they are like
Intelligent, confident and eager to work, forming a close bond with its family and keeping a watchful eye on its home. It responds best to consistent, reward-based training.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High: needs substantial daily exercise and mental challenges; excels in herding and dog sports such as agility, flyball, disc and nose work.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short to medium coat is easy care; regular brushing is enough.1
Home where they are happiest
Happiest with space and a job, such as a farm, ranch or a very active home.1
Company who they like around
Bonds tightly with its people and wants to be part of daily activity.1
The story where it all began
Scottish immigrant Alexander McNab founded a large sheep ranch near what is now Hopland, California, in the late 19th century and bred his own herding dogs there. His son John McNab continued the line in the early 1900s, bringing in more dogs from Scotland. A DNA-based founding registry for the breed was set up in 2014.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
A working McNab can cover more than 100 miles in a day of herding.1
2
Besides sheep and cattle, McNabs herd goats, geese, llamas and horses.1
3
The breed is increasingly used in search and rescue, including archaeology search work.1
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Working McNabs can now be found as far away as Germany and Japan.1
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed is named after Scotsman Alexander McNab, who moved to California in 1866 and developed the breed starting in 1885 by crossing Scotch Collies with local dogs of Basque Spanish and English origin.2
I wake up before the sun, eager to start my day. My human and I head to the field where I round up the sheep with precision and pride. After herding, we practice agility in the yard; I leap over jumps and weave through poles, my mind sharp and body quick. Back home, I keep watch from the porch, alert for any squirrel. In the evening, I curl up beside my human, tired and content, knowing I've done a good day's work.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
McNab Shepherd Registry
Founding registry established in 2014, using DNA verification for registration.1
AKC
Not recognised by major kennel clubs such as the AKC.1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a McNab. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)
A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.
You need
1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)
How
Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.
How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.
These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.
You need
100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
Splash of water (as needed)
How
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.
How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.
These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.
You need
30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)
How
Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.
How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my McNab, and at what times?
Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed adult McNabs at least two meals a day, as their stomachs empty within a few hours. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Consistent times, like morning and evening, help with their routine.3Pet Wiki plan
What should a McNab eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs.34
How often should I bathe a McNab?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing every 8 weeks, but the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your McNab gets very dirty or has skin issues.5Pet Wiki plan
How often does a McNab need brushing?
Furry Diary's starting plan is to brush weekly, which suits their short to medium easy-care coat. Regular brushing keeps shedding under control and strengthens your bond.15Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a McNab's nails, and how often?
Furry Diary's starting plan is to trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Trim a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain.5Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a McNab need?
McNabs have high activity needs and require substantial daily exercise and mental challenges. They excel in herding and dog sports like agility, so plan for active play and training each day.1Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a McNab's teeth and ears?
Furry Diary's starting plan is to brush teeth daily, but two to three times a week is a good start, using only dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, especially since floppy ears can trap moisture.5Pet Wiki plan
How long does a McNab live?
McNabs typically live between 13 and 15 years, with senior years usually starting around age 8. Regular vet checkups help them stay healthy throughout their life.1Pet Wiki plan
Is a McNab good with children and other pets?
McNabs are intelligent, confident, and bond closely with their family, making them good with children when properly socialized. They can get along with other pets, especially if raised together, but their herding instinct may need guidance.1
Can a McNab be left alone?
McNabs bond tightly with their people and want to be part of daily activity, so they may struggle with long periods alone. For specific advice on your situation, ask a good breeder or your vet.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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