My breeding lines comes from a long list of notable McNab Shepherds. 2 of my breeding males have had their OFA's completed and have passed everything! So, what was it that has kept the McNab such a secret from so many for so long? Originally, the McNab Shepherd was strictly used on the McNab ranch, and were later sold to ranchers nearby. They were bred for function and not looks, so therefore they
were not a fancy looking collie type and not a desirable looking show dog. The lack of attention given beyond the stock yard and ranches in Northern California, in part kept the McNab a bit isolated from the rest of the world. The McNab to this date is not recognized by any kennel club, and this is a great blessing to the breed. The day breeders start breeding the McNab for a club standard is the day we will loose the true essence of the original McNab. The McNab is registered through the National Stock Dog Registry, where pedigrees can be recorded and preserved. Today, the McNab is growing in popularity as more and more McNabs are popping up on the agility course, Fly-ball teams, and even on search and rescue teams. There has never been a formal *standard* written for the McNab, however informally I give you a standard which is shared by myself as well as by other knowledgeable McNab breeders, historians and McNab aficionado in California. Some males may mature taller. Weight: 25 - 50 lbs. Some males may mature heavier. Coat: Short to Medium -never long. Coat color: Black with white markings, or red with white markings or occassionally
tri colored. Ears: Pricked, also a variety of sets in between - some even flop over. Tails: Long however some old lines throw a natural bob. (Tail docking was NOT originally traditional, and is not encouraged by many breeders - especially myself). Eyes: Almond in shape and loose. Eye color: brown, hazel, or copper. Never blue or marbled. Shape of head: Sharp
Feet: tight - cat like on their feet. McNabs have always come in a variety of 'pajamas', meaning ear sets, coat length (however never long), and coat colors - except meral.
