Frequently Asked Questions
Browse answers to common questions about McNabs, our breeding program, and bringing home a puppy.
Have questions? You’re in the right place. This page covers the topics we’re asked about most often, from the McNab breed and our breeding program to health testing, puppies, and the placement process. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to contact us—we’re always happy to help.
What’s their energy level like? Do they have an off switch?
McNabs are a high-energy breed, but most have an excellent off switch when their physical and mental needs are being met. As with any breed, there are always exceptions, and a few individuals may not have a strong off switch.
How do you place your puppies?
Our goal is to place each puppy in the home where they are most likely to thrive. We evaluate every litter using the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, daily observations of each puppy’s personality and drive, and, weather permitting, evaluations of their natural interest and instincts on livestock. We carefully consider traits such as confidence, energy level, work ethic, handler focus, and overall temperament to help match each puppy with the right family and lifestyle.
Puppies are matched with their families after all temperament evaluations and stock testing (weather permitting) have been completed, ensuring we have the best understanding of each puppy before making placement decisions. We do our best to accommodate color preferences whenever possible, but because our priority is making the best long-term match, we cannot guarantee a specific color.
Are McNabs dog social?
McNabs should be dog social to dog tolerant. They should never be dog aggressive.
Are McNabs social butterflies when it comes to people?
McNabs are typically very handler-focused and can be aloof with strangers, but they should never be aggressive. Like many working breeds, they benefit from extensive socialization with people, dogs, and other animals. All puppies, regardless of breed, should be properly socialized before their primary socialization window closes, typically around 14–16 weeks of age. I also strongly recommend that every puppy attend a puppy class at a minimum. Continuing training classes throughout the first two years of life helps set both the puppy and handler up for success.
Are McNabs a healthy breed?
McNabs are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be affected by inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia and epilepsy. As an ethical breeder, we work hard to reduce these risks through comprehensive health testing, careful pedigree research, and thoughtful breeding decisions.
What kinds of activities do McNabs excel at?
With their intelligence, strong work ethic, excellent noses, athleticism, and drive, McNabs can excel in almost any venue. They thrive in herding, search and rescue, detection work, cadaver work, dog sports, trail riding, and just about any job that requires an intelligent, driven working dog.
How big do McNabs get?
McNabs are a landrace breed, so there is some natural variation in size. Females typically weigh between 30–40 pounds, while males generally weigh between 35–45 pounds. Some lines produce larger individuals, with males reaching up to 60 pounds.
How many litters do your females have?
Our females have a maximum of three to four litters before retirement. Before every breeding, we ensure they are in excellent physical and mental condition.
What health testing do you perform?
All of our breeding dogs receive:
- Embark DNA testing
- OFA Hip Evaluation
- OFA Elbow Evaluation
- OFA Cardiac Evaluation echocardiogram
- OFA Eye Examination
- Brucellosis testing
- Comprehensive physical examination
Do your dogs work livestock?
Yes. We require all of our breeding dogs to work livestock or be proven on stock. Preserving the McNab’s working ability is extremely important to us. Herding is the foundation of the breed, and maintaining those instincts and abilities is our highest priority.
What kind of drive do McNabs have?
Drive varies depending on the bloodlines and the individual dog, but most McNabs range from medium-high to very high drive.
Do you offer a health guarantee?
Yes. We provide a health guarantee, which is outlined in our puppy contract.
Do you require a spay/neuter agreement?
Yes. Puppies sold without breeding rights are required to be altered. We support traditional spay/neuter as well as ovary-sparing spays and vasectomies.
Do you offer breeding rights?
Not at this time. However, we are open to select co-ownership .
