A Personal Introduction to a McNab Dog
Meet Earl.
Now, I know what you're thinking: "Wow, what a ridiculously handsome dog. What is he?"
Earl is a McNab -- sometimes referred to as a "McNab Border Collie," or a "McNab Stock Dog." Around here, we have other names for him, such as "our little boy," and "Early Pearly," and an assortment of pet names so sweet and doting that I would blush to admit them. We love our Earl.
Most people haven't heard of a McNab. Those who have still might not be able to identify them when they see them; they might guess a Border Collie cross or, (gasp!), a mutt. We like it that way: whenever a breed becomes popular, they are at risk of several hazards. They might become overbred by unscrupulous breeders, without concern for quality or the animal's welfare. They might be purchased by people who will keep them in a home or environment for which a particular breed is very ill-suited. Perhaps they'll be bred for breed "type" to the extent that they'll be inbred, line-bred, and ultimately deformed in a relentless quest for overly exaggerated "typey" features.
We're happy that the McNab is a well-kept secret. On the other hand, I love our McNab and want to share a little bit about this amazing dog with you. The best way I can do that is to introduce you to Earl.
An Independent Thinker
About three years ago, my future husband and I spent a week on a cattle drive in New Mexico. I admired one of the cattle dogs along the way and asked the cowboy who owned her to call me if she ever had pups. She was a Border Collie, and was an extraordinary dog -- smart, athletic, and capable. With our three dogs getting on in years, it was a good time to introduce a puppy.
Serendipity intervened. The day after we arrived home, my husband was outside cleaning up the horse trailer from the trip. He came in and called out to me: "You have a visitor!" He said it was a cowboy who knew me, and mentioned his name. Delighted to know an old friend had stopped by, and hurried out to visit.
My friend, Mark, told me he was delivering puppies in the area, and thought he'd just stop to say hello. We chatted in the shade of the barn for a bit, and he tipped his hat and said he'd better head back to the ranch. I finally couldn't resist asking, "Can I see those puppies?" He took us to the puppy box in the bed of his truck and opened it to reveal three black and white imps. They were cute -- as puppies always are. One was a female; one had a mid-length coat; and one was a short-haired male.
I'd never heard of a McNab, I must confess. Mark explained they were bred for working cattle, not sheep, and were more independent. He said that if you showed them their job, they'd figure out exactly how to do it, rather than being blindly obedient. He pointed out that they don't slink down low, as border collies do, and that they work out wider, away from the animal, rather than getting in real close. I like big dogs, so perhaps that's why Mark told me they'd mature at about 80 pounds.
I asked him what he was asking for them, and then turned to my beloved with my most beseeching eyes. "Can we?" Without hesitation, he said, "Let me get a check. Do I write it for one, or all three?" (Is it any wonder I married this man?) I held up the short-haired little boy and said, "This one!"
That's how Earl arrived. Other than being a mid-size dog who matured at 50 pounds, Mark was right about everything else. Earl is definitely an independent thinker, and it was comical to watch my husband calling out to him, "Earl! Don't process -- just come!" during training sessions. Earl is scary-smart, and figures most things out long before we even think about training him. For the most part, he trains himself. Sometimes, he trains us, too.
Smart, Sensitive, and Tireless.
McNabs are not only smart dogs, but they're extremely sensitive, too. They're the sort of dog that'll do their best to please you, and will crumple like a used tissue if you raise your voice. Earl was so sensitive as a puppy that I couldn't use the word "no," around him, even in a soft, gentle tone; he knew what it meant, and it devastated him. If I said "no," he'd think it meant "never," and sometimes I only wanted it to mean, "Not right now." He couldn't differentiate. Early in his time with us, he was at the barn with me and I casually said, "No, Earl," to him when he got into a stall. I didn't want him to get stepped on. From that day forward, he believed he wasn't allowed at the barn.
Earl is noise-sensitive, too. He doesn't like clicking, or snapping, or clanging noises. Wind and thunder send him hiding in "his" closet. McNabs aren't for noisy households or for people with anger management issues. They require owners who understand that these dogs are doing their damnedest to be great dogs.
McNabs, like their Border Collie cousins, are highly energetic. This can easily translate to neuroses if they are confined and not given the constant, daily work they require. They aren't meant to be chained, or kenneled, or kept in a tiny apartment while you're at work all day. They need space to run at full tilt and to be active even in the house. Please don't try to make a McNab into a poodle or a Shih Tzu. It would be an act of cruelty upon this active, busy, work-oriented dog. Besides, they shed 24/7/365, and they will ruin your couch.
We don't have cattle (yet). Because Earl doesn't have a herd to round up and chase and sort, we spend hours a day keeping him busy. He plays tug of war with the other dogs, goes running once or twice a day with my husband, and accompanies me on most of my trips around town. Most of all, he plays ball -- literally, for sometimes hours a day. Not only must my husband throw the ball for numerous sessions daily, but every visitor to the ranch must throw the ball. Earl also plays the hose game, chases lizards, and goes hiking and walking with me.
For the owner with a lot of property and plenty of time to spend trying to keep up with a busy McNab, they're astonishingly good dogs. They don't want to roam; they know where home is, and they come when they're called. They are sociable if kept with other dogs, but shy with new dogs. They also have some primitive-dog traits -- Earl has a fetish for rolling in stinky things, and few things delight him like a fresh mound of manure. This is where the "hose game," comes in. Few dogs have baths as often as Earl does. Fortunately, Earl sheds so frequently that his coat is clean and shiny at all times -- we often joke that he turns over a new coat daily.
A Multi-Faceted Dog.
If you research McNabs, you'll find a lot of people who rave about them as uncannily good stock dogs. Their brains and independence have earned them a fine reputation among ranchers. You'll also learn that they're named after a California rancher named Alexander McNab, who brought stock from Scotland in the 1800's to develop exactly the line of cattle dogs he needed for his rugged terrain and wily cattle. You won't find anything in most breed books about them, though, and they're not even a footnote in the AKC standards book. I hope it stays that way.
What you won't read, though, is the sweet nature of McNabs. You might never know how strongly attuned a McNab is to the others in the household. Earl makes his "morning rounds," every day -- he waits for my old black Lab to awaken, and then leaps off the bed and gives him kisses. He gives a similar greeting to my small-but-feisty warrior princess, a Papillon, and -- last but not least -- he gives me my morning kisses, too. He likes to snuggle up against me so I can barely move, and rest his head on my legs. He loves his stuffed toys, and brings one or more to bed every night, so he can sleep touching them.
A Special Dog for Special People.
McNabs aren't for everyone. Not everyone deserves a McNab, actually. Those who are lucky enough to be owned by one are special people. They understand that dogs have excellent hearing, and don't need to be yelled at in order to hear. They accept that these physically-tough dogs are keenly sensitive, and can easily become fearful. They realize that these are active and energetic pups who need frequent and regular high-speed activity, and that it is cruel to spend dozens of years breeding an animal to be very good at specific things, and then try to fit them into a lifestyle in which those attributes aren't welcome or encouraged.
Anyone who is fortunate enough to have a McNab in their life should also know that McNabs are Ivermectin-sensitive dogs. This means that they often suffer serious side effects if given the remedy and preventative parasite control, Ivermectin. The most popular heart-worm drug is Ivermectin based, so make sure you discuss Ivermectin sensitivity with your veterinarian before administering.
McNabs are unique and interesting dogs. As unexpected as Earl's arrival was in our lives, he has been the perfect dog for us. Rarely does a day go by that he doesn't invent a new antic, or adopt an odd new habit. He's always thinking. We're so fortunate that he's found his way into our lives.
See More of Earl!
- The Many Ears of Earl the McNab
Everyone who knows the McNab dog is well aware of their very expressive ears. These unique ears have a perfect fold that allows great versatility. Many are "one ear up" dogs. Here's to the ears!
Earl the McNab
Meet Molly. She's Earl's new "sister!"
- Introduction to a McNab Puppy
Oh, you lucky dog: you've got a McNab puppy. Be ready for the ultimate puppy experience, complete with scary-smart behavior, utter happiness, high energy, tons of spunk and just enough naughtiness! - The McNab Pages
A McNab dog blog! - The Papillon: A Guide to Being Owned by One
When you first see a Papillon dog, you may dismiss them as fluffy little lightweights. Behind the scenes, Papillons rule the earth. Move over, Illuminati -- Papillons pull the real strings around here.
Copyright 2012 MJ Miller. All Rights Reserved
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Questions & Answers
Comments
McNabbs are fine and dandy. They are very popular, in my farming community. Had one once. But I think that good working line Australian Shepherds are better. Although they do share many of the same traits. Those traits come from their Scotch Collie ancestry. I have a Shetland Sheepdog that shares the same type traits too. A person can't go wrong with a dog from Collie heritage. But one does need to at least be as smart as their dog. And be a calm and consistent owner and trainer.
Unless I'm mistaken McNabs don't run to 80 Lbs. Up to 65, but most are less. They were developed in the 1850's specifically for working sheep. They also work cattle, and horses, and can head, or heel. He looks like a McNab, but the cowboy mentioned his mother as Border Collie, with no mention of Australia Shepard (Basque shepherd) which opens the question of what is father was. McNabs are usually found in Mendocino County, Calif. and surrounding area where the original McNab ranch was. But as great ranch dogs have found their way into several States. They are keepers ! Mine (Hondo)is a tri-color male at 60 Lbs. from Elk creek, CA. now in Tennessee.
After losing my dog, I one day was "talking to the Universe" and said, "when it is time please send me my next friend, maybe not today or even next year but when you know I'm ready and it's the right one." Two hours later a friend in WY heading to CO texted me and asked by any chance would I want a dog. He was failing at the cattle ranch and that was causing fights w other dogs and he was on the losing end of every fight. With teary eyes I ran out to my now husband and told him. He reluctantly agreed, and he was only reluctant bc he knew I still cried every day over my last dog. He was right, I wasn't "ready" but doing things only when you are "ready" means you allow many things in life to pass by.
The next day at a horse show I walked around the corner and saw him. I said, " well you must be Gil". He saw me and bolted straight to me (I would later come to understand that he was truly saying, "YOU! IT'S YOU! I WAS SENT FOR YOU! AND I'VE FOUND YOU!" bc he actually can be very timid and isn't a run up to strangers type dog). We have been inseparable since. He trains for my eventing and endurance racing w me. He never tires and has proven to be the smartest dog I've ever been around. Very sensitive. Easily "crushed" w just a stern look. I knew nothing about McNabs when Gil came into our lives. Now, I just want to keep the breed a secret bc I don't want them over bred. This breed could easily be misunderstood. Not a dog for every family. They need sensitive guidance and LOTS of activity. They do train themselves like you said bc they are always watching "there person". We find endless laughter in our Gilbert. He once slept each night in a horse trailer. He now sleeps every night in a king size bed until he decides it's time to go sleep on the couch where he can keep an eye on horses and humans. I cannot ever imagine being without my "lil man". Reading every person's stories we are all pretty lucky the Universe sent us these little secrets called McNabs. Our life is better and more filled w their funny expressions and true loyal love. Gilly is our laughter and smile.
Thank all you for sharing your stories. We are all very lucky humans.
I should have added that my son is 40 years old and has a mild form of Autism called Asperger Syndrome. Buster will hopefully be his emotional service dog. And if this does not work out he will be he very best buddy and we are fine with that. The two of them together is wonderful to watch. I would send you a picture of Buster but do not know how on this site. Love for you all to see him. We think he is very handsome. Lorraine
We recently lost our Wire Fox Terrier and after a long grieving period started the look our next pal. We decided to get a dog that we could easily train to become my son's Service Dog. Off to a nearby rescue we went and met Buster. We believe him to be a MacNab Border Collie mix. We are in love. He has brought so much joy to our lives it is almost beyond words to explain. I have never met a dog with so much love to give. He has completed Obedience 1 and 2 and we are now giving him some time to grow up a little before we attempt Good Citizen and Service Dog training. He aced all his classes and the trainer adores him. I was wondering if the affinity to chew is part of this breed? I think maybe we just need to keep him busier than the mile walk he is presently getting followed by run and play games in our back yard. He has started to chase his tail at night and I think this too is indicative that he needs more exercise and more challenges. If anyone would like to chime in I would be appreciative. Getting him to stop mouthing us has been a long job. He still will open his mouth and sort of see how we will respond in the early am's. We have been very consistent with him on this. Also the inherit need to use his front paws has us stymied. We would like him to stop this as is scratches our arms and hurts us. He has gotten some better but I just think he may have some Boxer in him and this habit is just instinctive for him. Thank you for letting us meet your Earl. We adore Buster and think he was the best decision we EVER made. Lorraine
Wow. So many comments. You may have answered my question as I got a little lazy there towards the end as far as reading them all...We have a McNab - ish. She's only about 22-23 lbs with very short/almost wirey hair (no shedding!) so she's a mixture, but with prevalent McNab traits. I'm concerned about the Ivermectin reaction you mentioned. Can you go into further detail or provide a source I might read myself?
Looks like you were exactly describing my dog.
Hello again, MJennifer. Last weekend wife and I and Sook went to Alturas, CA for the National Sheep Dog Finals. I thought Sook would enjoy seeing some of his relatives from the Border Collie side of his lineage. Because our previous dog, a border collie, looked quite different from Sook, (long haired, brown and black, slim, etc.) I expected only the vaguest similarity. Ha! One in five of those sheep herding border collies looked as though they were Sook's litter mate, including three of the top seventeen finalists in the trials. Those folks delighted me with their disdain for the overbred standards of AKC confirmation. Their joy (as my own) comes from the human/canine interaction, the love, energy, intelligence, joyous goal-oriented cooperation, etc. You know, like Earl and Molly...and Sook.
He sounds like he found just the right home...you and your husband obviously know what he needs and are willing to provide that environment and love with no reservations. It does take special people to have a special pet.
Good for you ....lucky pups, lucky you.
Angels are on the way to you this evening ps
I am so happy to have learned today, I have a mostly McNab mix. I rescued Jackie or One Eyed Jack from Fresno, where been barely surviving in a homeless encampment. When I heard her story, I drove 5 hours from Lake Tahoe to resue her (hit a deer on the way home and I didn't even care !!) She is exactly all the wonderful description you've so gracefully given on these pages. What an amazing animal- I struggle to get her all the excerize she needs, but were working on it. I'd love to send some pics if you want to see her. Thx Dave McCune
Hi, again, MJennifer! I'm back with another Sook-the-McNab experience to share. The motion-activated light in the common area of our condo complex comes on when I approach with Sook for his final pee each night. While he was doing his business, recently, the light timed out and turned itself off. By the faint residual light, I could see Sook was still doing his business when he wiggled his (large!) ears. Immediately the light came back on!
Hi, I'm so very happy to read all the story about your dog Mcnab. Guess what? I have a Mcnab too, One day my uncle said he has a surprise to me it was on the blue box with many holes in it and later on when I'm going to open the box it surprised me with a dog with black and white body and it's only 2months old., I really don't love dogs but in that time when i see that puppy while his eyes staring at me It melts my soul that something with that puppy that i can't really explained and what's only in my mind is to love this puppy with all my heart! I really have no idea what kind of breed it is so I do a lot of reaserches. I'm thinking maybe it's only an ordinary dog that can be only found @ the sides of the street. till I found a dog with a black and white body with a name in it! I said: Mcnab? I never heared a Mcnab before!" and again I reaserched and see some description about Mcnab and it only says It's a very talented dog and some other charateristics that I'm not satisfied. I have very rough days understanding my beloved dog Mcnab until I read all of your story that helps me a lot .. I wish I can tell a story more but seems I'm already tired going on! All i wanna say is I'm very thankfull for all of this..
P.S Sorry for my bad English!
Well, I have just spent almost an hour reading about Earl. I watched your wonderful video, and read the many comments!
A d I thought my Miniature Schnauzer was smart! What a delightful dog. I have never heard of this breed, so I am so glad I read about Earl
Voted up, etc, and will share on Goole+ and Pin to my pets board.
I need to get over and and steal Earl's affection and meet Molly! I live reading the posts from all the McNab lived out there!
I just became acquainted with Earl, I'm so impressed. What a bright, breezy, beautiful, intelligent and fun loving dog he is. I'm a most 'doggie' person but had not heard of this breed. I had a border collie cross for many years, delightful and so intelligent, he was definitely the boss of this home. I enjoyed reading about Earl and his antics - thank you.
I am an avid dog lover and I'd never heard of this awesome breed before. Thank you for putting me right with your delightful hub!
Congrats on your new McNab puppy MJennifer!
I have a dog trainer friend who works with border collies for herding competitions. But I have never really seen anything about these. Thanks for sharing the great photos and info!
Voted up and everything else because that is what McNabs are. All the above. We have Joe and Bandit. They are a mix of Border Collie and McNab. Joe looks like a Border Collie. Bandit looks totally McNab with a thicker Collie tail.
Having two of these fellows is a scream.
I was looking for something to give my life routine and I got these guys as 8 week old puppies. I don't know who works harder them or me.
You presented McNabs beautifully. They are not for a low energy family. They don't speak the same language most dogs do, and the Aussie cattle dialect is completely different. Great article.
What a great article! I'd never heard of a McNab. They do look rather like a short-haired Border Collie. My dad had a Border Collie in his bachelor days, and reported him to be a very smart, thinking dog.
I appreciate your cautions and advice about who should and should not own one of these special dogs. Not everyone is a fit pet parent, and some people do, indeed, adopt the wrong type of dog for the wrong reasons, even if they are well-intentioned toward the animal.
Voted up, awesome, useful and interesting.
What a wonderful description and tribute to a special dog. He was cute to watch in action in that video, and Argos is special too. Voted up +++ and sharing.
Mj, I am so glad you had such a wonderful experience coming home with Molly. It sounds like a great day spent at the ranch with Teri and the pack. I haven't seen the Molly article! I don't know you posted one. I will search for it-I can't wait to see pictures and read the delightful stories. Thank you so much for sharing such joy with all of us.
Toni
Wow! I just read "Introduction to a McNab Puppy." What a treat! Molly is terminally cute. And alert/bright eyed. And etc. Your writing is superb. At eight weeks there was already sooooooo much going on! Reminds me of my two kids...they were always ahead of where I thought they were. You are obviously enjoying the privilege of interacting with Molly during the growing of her McNab-ness!
I am so looking forward to meeting Molly McNab :)
Did you go to the Garcin ranch and meet any of the other dogs?
Hi! Been checking daily for a couple of weeks. Hope all is going well for Molly, et al. Sook sends wags.
WhooHoo MJ! CONGRATS! I can't wait to see pics and hear stories about Molly McNablett. I hope Earl eats his doggy Wheaties :) I think she is going to wear him out
I guess it's over six weeks since Molly McNab joined the outside world and I've been waiting anxiously for a new stub to be called, no doubt, "A Personal Introduction to a McNab Puppy." Because my McNab, Sook, was a year old when we got him from the shelter, I never saw him as a (chronological) puppy. But he's more than made up for that by being a "puppy" for the entire seven years since. He gave us another laugh over the weekend when the three of us were in a motel room. Sook is very quiet and never barks except a BARK-BARK when the doorbell rings. Imagine my surprise when I heard his sharp BARK-BARK while I was in the bathroom and Sook was in the other room where my wife was watching TV. There was an Avon ad on the TV: "Ding-Dong, Avon calling." An hour later he had his first encounter with a mirror. He tried to go into sniff-wag mode but only succeeded in bumping his nose. It took him about ten seconds to come to the universal canine conclusion that if it don't have a scent, it ain't worth a cent. Love that dog.
Oh My God, Its just a Blast, a mixture f everything I wanted, It is Awesome From the beginning to end ..
Great Waiting for more Marcy
What an opportunity for some lucky McNab lover. We don't have the room or I'd be tempted. However, I'd have to change his name to Ear-nest... :-)
Ha ha I sure know what you mean about the puppy breath :) I recently went to visit my sister and her new puppy. How totally precious it was to hold (and smell) that precious little pup. That is wonderful that you passed on the info about Ernest. I hope he gets a great home. He is a very good dog.
Hi MJennifer,
I recently received an email from Teri (Molly”s breeder) that she has a 4 month old male from one of her litters that the owners had to return due to some serious human medical problems. His name is Ernest. I wish I could take him, but I just can’t at this time. I thought I would mention it here in case some one here on the site is looking for a wonderful McNab pup. I can’t wait for the Earl and Molly update. I am so excited for you.
Hi again, MJennifer. I've been checking in almost daily to hear the news on the Molly McNab front. I sure hope the litter wasn't all boys...I assume you wouldn't name him Molly! Sook is doing as well as ever, in fact better than ever in at least one way. In addition to the salmon based dog food I upped his dose of fish oil to about three times what it had been and -- miracle of miracles -- Sook virtually STOPPED SHEDDING! Certainly less than 5% of what it had been. The dose is now a full tablespoon or maybe a little more once a day on his kibbles. A $30 bottle lasts a couple months. We make up at least part of the cost in having to buy fewer dry mop heads. So, that's it for our soon-to-be eight year old PUPPY. Hope to hear something soon bout your (eight DAY old?) puppy.
So, Molly McNab will make herself visible soon! I don't know how much you'll get to see/hold her before you get to take her home, but I bet it'll seem like a loooooong time. You might be able to get some great videos of Earl's early reactions. I look forward to hearing all about it.
Congratulations MJennifer! I will have to watch the Garcins website to see if she posts pics of the pups. I am so excited for you and can’t wait for your updates :)
I had heard the name McNab before but I always thought it was the name of one of the families who started the Border Collie Breed. I didn't know it was a breed all in itself!
That said, I'm in the process of buying/adopting a 9 week old McNab right now! I was so excited that I was literally jumping up and down for almost 10 minutes straight! If all goes well, my new puppy will be here in my own home by the end of the week!!!! :) :D :):):):)
MJennifer, that is sooo exciting. I just received an email from Teri, telling me that Brie is due to whelp in March! I just love her. I can't wait to see what pup you get. There are a few females due to whelp and the are all great dogs.
Hi M Jennifer, I am so happy you are getting a puppy soon. Is by chance coming from Teri Garcin in California? I am looking excitedly forward to stories and pictures.
MJennifer, Great news on the new puppy-to-be come May. I hope the process of naming a new puppy is is much fun for you as it always has been for me. Often, it's several days of observing until suddenly the (now-obvious name) just appears. Sook's naming is a very interesting story too long to relate here. Several years ago, Ian, a then-local ultrarunner who has since moved to Arizona had a McNab named Zoroaster. I always assumed there was a good story behind that name but never had the courage to ask...
When May and the puppy arrive, please post a hub with TONS of puppy pictures! I can't wait to see the little baby! :)
Hi again, MJennifer. I noted the comment above from Raven319 re her new McNab, Daisy, not fetching nor playing ball. My McNab, Sook, did not fetch nor play ball (tug) when he first arrived from the shelter. What worked for Sook was me rolling the ball slowly toward him while he was lying down. It gently bumped him in the nose, which started to get his attention and interest. Combining the slow roll with an occasional tiny dog biscuit treat (3/4 inch long), and not doing this too often (to avoid him feeling hassled), it didn't take long for Sook to catch on and enjoy. Then, while he had the ball in his mouth, I'd offer one of the tiny treats from a few feet away. When Sook arrived at my feet with the ball, I'd offer the tiny treat in exchange. Then I increased the distance, rolled/threw the ball to one side and Sook's doggy instincts to chase did the rest. Oh, and I soon discovered the fetch, return and drop were so much fun for him that the treat was unnecessary.
I will keep an eye out now that I know about them. I live near Weatherford, Texas, which bills itself as "The Cutting Horse Capitol of the World," so surely there are at least a few McNabs in the area.
Please write a hub about the new McNab when you find one. I'd love to see photos of the pair in action together. :)
I loved reading about your McNab, and as a dog lover I can't believe I didn't already know about this breed. So smart, independent and loving -- over all just a really cool dog. I'm jealous! I'd love to have one some day; I have a huge yard but no livestock, so the dog probably wouldn't be too happy here.
Thank you MJennifer for your informative and entertaining hub! I just found Daisy at Miranda Rescue in northern California and wasn't sure what she was, but now I know! I have learned a lot from Earl (and thank you Bob, Sook has taught me much, as well). My girl and I have a lot to learn from each other (she's about 9 months and won't fetch or play ball with me, though she does play with me in other ways). Can you recommend good sites for me to read? I have sooooo many questions!
Thanks again!
Raven and Daisy
I just re-read your comment from five weeks ago about Earl's attitude wrt cats. That brings back memories. The tag on the cage at the animal shelter (where we got him for only $75) gave the reason his previous owner had given him up: "Chases Cats." My reaction was, "No! Really?" A few weeks after we adopted him, we were in the common area of our condo complex when a cat whizzed by and Sook chased it behind a bush. A loud ROWRR! let me know that Sook had just learned that chasing cats and catching up to them can be two quite different experiences. He trotted our from behind the bushes looking back over his shoulder.... His previous owner had obviously kept him outside because he seemed to lack the ability to distinguish between outside and inside when having to relieve himself. At first I threatened (to no avail) to trade him in on a $100 dog. Then, when I threatened to trade him in on a cat (a CAT?!!!) he got the message. I don't have a cat now to test my theory, but I think that Border Collie-related dogs might have some difficulty accepting cats. This is, of course, surprising for a breed so wonderfully gentle and friendly as a McNab.
My McNab, Sook, is very alert (ears up, forward and locked; eyes wide open and focused, but not staring; etc.), especially when I or my wife is working in the kitchen preparing food. For me, Sook's attention is focused up at the food I'm chopping or otherwise preparing. For my wife, who has moderately advanced arthritis in her hands, he instead concentrates his attention at the floor in front of her. Smart dog. More McNab smiles.
Fantastic hub. I loved that your husband said: "Do I write it for one, or all three?" How awesome. I also was nodding my head in agreement that dogs don't need to be yelled at in order to hear- a common mistake that SO many people make. Dogs actually obey a yeller LESS than they would someone who speaks in a calming tone. Voted up!
Another laugh generated by my McNab, Sook. We hide a chew in the house each day and Sook excitedly tears around to find it. We can hear his "CHOMP" even from another room when he finds it. Last week, I'd run out of new places to hide it. My wife was reading, so I slipped it between my wife and the seat of her reading chair with only a half inch or so showing. My wife looked slightly apprehensive and told me, "If Sook bites me in the (bleep), you're in trouble." In true McNab fashion, Sook saved the day for me by being VERY careful with his teeth when he found the chew.
My McNab, Sook, gave us another special laugh. We bought him a new tug toy that he loves to chase. With Sook standing to the side of the bottom of the stairway in the living room, I threw the tug toy up to the second floor landing. But Sook watched only the first six feet of travel before he tore out of the living room and to the exact place in the dining room where the tug toy would have landed if the stairway had not been there. He looked everywhere in the dining room and seemed confused while we roared with laughter. He had done what some baseball outfielders are able to do: take off at the crack of the bat and run to the exact spot where the ball will be coming down...except they do not have to contend with an intervening stairway!
I apologize for assuming you didn't hear about Croat-shepherd. Your memory serves you very well, these dogs are present in Macedonia, in pretty large number. But, I'm not quite sure if it is prevalent dog breed there. I would say that one another sheep-herding guard dog is Macedonian representative - The Macedonian shepherd dog "Sharplaninec" (from his origin "Shar Planina", the "Shar" mountains in Macedonia)- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%A0arplaninac. Also, very thankful, brave and smart dog, but it is not dog for "beginners", or just "dog fans". Requires special management and conditions. With this dog you must be confident, stable person, strict pack leader. "Dogs are like their owners", and this rule corresponds with this kind of dogs in its full meaning. Life is easier when you have just funny, silly friend you can always trust beside you (and Earl just look like one to me :).
English language is not my native, so I am not sure how good novelist could I become, but there is certainly a lot of material to write a hub or two on these dogs. Maybe, one day.
Cheers.
Nice intro to McNab dog breed. Never heard of this breed before, but I like herding type of dogs. I am proud owner of Croatian sheepdog. You probably haven't heard about this breed, 'cause it's mostly spread in southeastern Europe area (former Yugoslavia, Hungary, Romania). They can be either black or white, and there are varieties of this breed. It is really hard to see difference between three very similar breeds - see this photo: http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/6096/croatianshep... . Look for "Croatian sheepdog" on YT to see more. There is a saying here: "You don't just go and buy croatian shepherd puppy. It should be given to you as a gift - meaning: you have to deserve dog like that". Anyway, great hub. Have fun and enjoy with Earl.
Hi Jennifer
That was a cruel joke mean husband :)
I am patiently waiting for my next McNab pup to be born in July. If you have extra time, check out Teri Garcin' web page. Garcin ranch on a Google search. She is in California. The website is a work of art. Happy puppy hunting. Earl will be a wonderful mentor.
Toni
From "my" McNab, Sook, I have learned that being a McNab-owned person means:
-- not having to apologize for my dog's behavior
-- having alert energy and enthusiasm in the house
-- much more wag, much less bark
-- wonderfully expressive ears and eyebrows
-- the clatter of claws on hardwood floors
-- human/dog activities: fetch, seek, hike, jog, etc.
-- tail thumps on the kitchen floor at breakfast time
-- energetic non-verbal communication
-- surprise ("How did he know THAT?")
-- and so much more...including having the maximum appreciation for
this superb hub.
Many thanks, MJennifer
I have never heard of this breed, but they sound like wonderful dogs! It sounds to me fate stepped in and sent you the perfect dog for you and your family. This is a great hub, wonderful information and so well written! Voted up and interesting! :)
I clicked every single up button on this hub about your wonderful Earl McNab dog companion. I had never heard of this breed but would now know what to expect were one to cross my path. My mother-in-law once had a border collie. She was a great dog! Loved the video at the end. Now I know what your "hose game" is. Also loved the bed scene at the end. Reminds me of sleeping with our dogs through the years. :)) Sharing this with my followers and also pinning.
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