McNab Stockdog — size comparison

The McNab Stockdog is an agile dog with a light, muscular outline and usually a short coat. Black-and-white or brown-and-white dogs are most common, but the population remains varied in appearance. Ears may be erect or partly drooping. Efficient movement and the ability to turn quickly around moving livestock are particularly important in its build.

It developed on Californian farms as a livestock helper. Breeders chiefly assessed working usefulness, so they did not seek the strict uniformity of appearance found in many show breeds. Today's McNab retains the character of a local working population. It is maintained separately from the Border Collie despite similarities between some dogs and their shared herding duties.

It is alert to movement, energetic and willing to cooperate with people. It can respond quickly to signals from a distance and use its own initiative in changing situations. This requires simultaneous concentration on livestock and observation of the handler. Its temperament is clearest during purposeful action, when it must combine speed with judgement.

Measurement sources

• Standard użytkowy i rozmiary — McNab Stockdog Foundation
• Opis zachowania i historii — McNab Stockdog Foundation