About the mcnab

 The McNab Shepherd is a breed defined by purpose, intelligence, and versatility — a true working dog developed to meet the demands of real-world ranch life rather than conform to a show-ring ideal. Every aspect of the McNab’s appearance, temperament, and ability reflects its heritage as a capable stock dog bred for endurance, agility, and partnership.

The McNab is a medium-sized, athletic, and balanced dog with clean lines and a poised, alert expression. Built for long days of work, this breed displays a natural grace and strength without excess bulk. Their body is slightly longer than tall, with a deep chest, strong back, and well-angulated hindquarters designed for speed, stamina, and quick directional changes.

The McNab’s coat is typically short to medium in length, dense, and weather-resistant — offering protection from wind, rain, and brush. Common coat colors include black, red,  tricolor, or sable, often with white markings on the chest, face, legs, or tip of the tail.

The head is clean and proportional, with a slightly rounded skull, moderate stop, and strong muzzle. Eyes are intelligent, expressive, and keen, ranging from brown to amber. Ears may be prick, semi-prick, or tipped, contributing to the McNab’s alert and responsive appearance.

The McNab moves with smooth, effortless efficiency — agile, quick, and sure-footed. Their movement reflects their purpose: to cover ground with speed and precision while maintaining balance and control over livestock.

Above all, the McNab is defined by its sharp mind and loyal heart. Highly intelligent, intuitive, and eager to please, this breed thrives on having a job to do. McNabs are naturally focused, courageous, and responsive to their handlers, forming deep bonds built on trust and teamwork. While often reserved with strangers, they are affectionate and devoted to their families.

Bred for utility, not uniformity, the McNab’s “standard” lies in its working ability and temperament rather than exact measurements or color. True to their heritage, McNabs excel in herding, agility, search and rescue, and any task that calls for intelligence, stamina, and heart.

 The McNab Shepherd is a generally robust and resilient breed, developed through generations of practical working selection rather than show-focused breeding. Their heritage as ranch dogs bred for endurance, intelligence, and adaptability has resulted in a line of canines with strong constitutions and long lifespans, often ranging from 12 to 16 years. While McNabs are typically healthy and active well into their senior years, there are a few health conditions that conscientious owners and breeders continue to monitor within the breed.

The most commonly tracked concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, which can affect joint health and mobility, particularly in active working dogs. Inherited eye conditions, such as progressive retinal atrophy or cataracts, may also occur in some lines, making regular ophthalmologic evaluations important for early detection. In recent years, breeders and owners have also paid close attention to neurological sensitivities, including epilepsy, as well as other rare but notable genetic predispositions that can occasionally appear.

The McNab Shepherd is a true picture of versatility — a dog bred not just to work, but to think. Originally developed to handle the tough cattle and variable terrain of Northern California ranches, McNabs are known for their keen intelligence, stamina, and unmatched work ethic. Their natural herding instinct, quick decision-making, and athleticism make them outstanding stock dogs, capable of managing everything from sheep and cattle to goats and horses with precision and control. Whether working in wide-open fields or tight pens, they adapt their style to suit the livestock and the task at hand.

Beyond the ranch, McNab Shepherds have proven themselves in a wide variety of canine sports and service roles. Their agility, responsiveness, and eagerness to learn make them top competitors in agility, obedience, rally, flyball, disc dog, dock diving, and herding trials. Many McNabs also excel in search and rescue work, scent detection, tracking, and even canine sports requiring endurance, such as canicross and skijoring. Their combination of focus and sensitivity allows them to transition seamlessly from intense work to calm companionship — a trait that sets them apart in both the field and the family home.

At their core, McNabs thrive when they have a purpose. Whether that’s moving livestock, competing in athletic events, or being an active partner in daily life, this breed lives to engage both mind and body. Their versatility, intelligence, and loyalty make the McNab Shepherd a true working companion — one who embodies heart, grit, and grace in everything they do.