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McNab Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about McNab so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank398
Reviews1
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McNab dog profile picture
OriginUnited States flagUnited States
Other Names
What other names does the McNab have?
McNab Herding DogMcNab SheepdogMcNab Border Collie
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

McNab Size and Weight

Size
Is a McNab small, medium or large dog?

How big do McNab get?

What is the average size of a McNab?

Medium
Weight
How much does the McNab weigh? How much should a McNab weight? What is the normal weight of a McNab? How much does a full-grown McNab weight?
Male: 35-65 lbs (16-30 kg), Female: 30-50 lbs (14-23 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a McNab?
Male: 35-65 lbs (23 kg), Female: 30-50 lbs (18.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the McNab? McNab height:
Male: 18-25 inches (45-64 cm), Female: 16-21 inches (40-54 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a McNab?
Male: 21.5 inches (54.5 cm), Female: 18.5 inches (47 cm)

McNab Price and Availability

Price
How much does the McNab puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a McNab in the United States? How much money is a McNab?

Where to buy a McNab with a good pedigree?

$300-$500
If you choose to purchase the McNab, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a McNab for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the McNab gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a McNab? How many McNab are there in the world?
Average: The McNab is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

McNab Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the McNab? Is the McNab breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The McNab ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are McNab dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a McNab?
McNab dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is McNab good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
McNab dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do McNab dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
McNab dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

McNab Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the McNab have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ProtectiveFriendlyObedientSociableHardWorkingMannered
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? McNab sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. McNab dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a McNab a good family dog?
High: McNab dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the McNab Herding Dog need? McNab social needs:
McNab dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the McNab to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does McNab roam?
McNab dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does McNab have high prey drive?
McNab dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

McNab Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: McNabs, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do McNab dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my McNab Herding Dog bark?
Low to Average: The McNab rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is McNab good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a McNab in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep McNab indoors.

McNab Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: McNab dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a McNab be left alone? How long can you leave a McNab alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

McNab Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the McNab has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a McNab? How much bite force does a McNab have? How strong is a McNab bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

McNab bite force: Ordinary. Bite force McNab measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a McNab is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This McNab bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. McNab bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a McNab puppy not to bite from an early age.

The McNab, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the McNab bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a McNab can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do McNab bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the McNab Herding Dog? What are the odds of getting bitten by a McNab? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The McNab has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the McNab do?
McNab dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but McNab dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

McNab Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do McNab dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The McNab is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the McNab breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the McNab breed? Most common health risks of McNab:
Primary Lens Luxation
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the McNab breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the McNab see the vet?
Average
The McNab should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do McNab dogs live? How old can a McNab be? What is the age limit of the McNab? How many years can the oldest McNab live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a McNab?

How long is the lifespan of a McNab?

13-15 years
The average lifespan of McNab: 14 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

McNab Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the McNab have? What is the activity level of the McNab?
McNab dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a McNab need? How much exercise do McNab dogs require per day?

Do McNab dogs need a lot of exercises?

McNab dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the McNab breed need?
McNab dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

McNab Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a McNab need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a McNab breed eat per day? What is good dog food for McNab? How much food should I feed my McNab?
1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? McNab risk for obesity:
Average: The McNab has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the McNab weight regularly.

McNab Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the McNab have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Smooth
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper McNab coats?
Black White Brown Tricolor
Grooming
How to groom the McNab and how often? How often should I take my McNab to the groomer?
Average: The McNab requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your McNab, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do McNab dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the McNab Herding Dog? Do McNab dogs shed a lot?
McNab dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the McNab need a bath? How often should you give a McNab a bath? Can I bathe my McNab every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the McNab breed hypoallergenic?
No
McNab dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The McNab has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the McNab drool?
The McNab is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the McNab could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the McNab.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

McNab Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do McNab dogs get along with other pets? Are McNab dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
McNab dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? McNab temperament with other people:
McNab dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are McNab dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? McNab temperament with children:
McNab dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do McNab dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the McNab breed live with a cat?
McNab dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is McNab good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do McNab dogs get along with other dogs?
McNab dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is McNab breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is McNab breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
McNab dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are McNab dogs good office canines? Do McNab dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
McNab is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do McNab dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the McNab Herding Dog temperament with senior people? Are McNab dogs good for elderly owners?
McNabs are usually recommended for elderly people.

McNab As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can McNab be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

McNab is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can McNab be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a McNab be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

McNab is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can McNab be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

McNab is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can McNab be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The McNab is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can McNab be a boat dog?

Not really

McNab breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can McNab be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

McNab is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where McNab dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

McNab Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a McNab pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the McNab breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female McNab: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the McNab have in a litter? How many puppies can the McNab breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a McNab have? How many puppies can a McNab give birth to?
4-6 puppies

McNab Recognition

AKC Group
Is McNab recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is McNab recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the McNab breed?
Dog Registry of America Inc.

McNab Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Drooling Tendency: The McNab is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Child Friendly: McNab dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: McNabs are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: McNab dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: McNab dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Office Friendly: McNab is not the best dog breed for office environment.

McNab History

The McNab dog breed is a relatively young breed, with its origins dating back to the 19th century. As such, they have been bred from several types of herding dogs from the UK and Europe as well as working herding dogs from North America. This means that there is not one singular type of McNab dog! In fact, McNabs have been bred from a variety of herding dog breeds including the Bearded Collie, McNab Shepherd, Border Collie, and McNab Shepherd. McNabs were bred to herd cattle and sheep on ranches in Canada and USA!

Today McNabs are known as wonderful family pets with an endless desire to please their owners. They are extremely intelligent and love spending time with their human friends. McNabs are known for their willingness to learn, which makes them wonderful pets for active families that want a dog to take on hiking or camping trips! This breed is also known as McNab Shepherd, McNab Collie, or McNab Dog.

Traditionally McNabs were bred with short hair to help them withstand hot, dry conditions. McNabs are found in a variety of colors including black, white, brown, and cream. McNabs tend to have either long or short fur; the McNab dog breed is not known for its beautiful coat! McNabs should be brushed on a daily basis; if they are not provided with proper care their coat will become matted. McNabs are medium-sized dogs with males weighing between 40 and 50 pounds (18 to 22 kg) and females weighing between 30 and 40 pounds (13 to 18 kg). McNabs typically live 13 to 14 years of age, which is on the lower end of dog life expectancy. McNabs are very active animals, which makes them wonderful pets for active families! McNabs may also do well in an apartment setting, provided they are given enough exercise. McNabs typically get along great with children and can live harmoniously with other pets if properly socialized at a young age! McNabs are not known to be aggressive towards strangers or other animals.

It is important to note that McNabs may suffer from a variety of genetic health conditions, which could be a concern for McNab dog breed parents. These include:

- Hip Dysplasia

- Spinal Malformations

- Congenital Eye Defects

The McNab was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2007, having been formally known as McNab Shepherd or McNab Collie. The McNab ranks 134th out of 157 in popularity in the United States!

If you are looking for a family pet that is intelligent, energetic, and devoted to its owners, McNabs may be an excellent option!

Rate The McNab Breed

McNab Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • McNab

    Jan 25, 2021, 7:35:38 AM:

    Excellent work/service/family dog. Very energetic though and require at least a 5 mile walk per day and 2 hours for playtime. Early training needed and mental activity like puzzles and hide n' seek recommended.