All dog breeds have relatively uniform physical characteristics known to that breed. Those characteristics were developed under controlled conditions by breeders who selected for specific traits such as size, coat color, structure, and behavior.
The term “dog breed” includes pure breeds, cross-breeds, mixed breeds and natural breeds. The term “breed standards” covers the externally observable qualities of the animal such as appearance, movement, and temperament.
The exact format of a breed and how a standard is established varies, as breed standards are not scientific documents and change as the needs of the members of the organization which authors them change.
In general, a breed standard typically includes some history of the breed, a narrative description of the breed, and details of the ideal externally observable structure and behavior for the breed. Whereas certain deviations from the standard are considered faults, many breeds contain a wide range of variation in traits such as eye color and markings.
However, a large degree of deviation from the breed standard, an excess of faults, or certain defined major faults, may indicate that the animal should not be bred. This would not necessarily affect the animal’s fitness for other uses. In contrast, an animal that closely matches and conforms to the breed standard for its breed is considered to have good conformation.
McNab Shepherd Preservation
The goals and purposes of this breed standard include to potentially furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it. Breeders have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated.
General Appearance
The McNab Shepherd has good body balance, which enables him to change directions and speed quickly, from a high speed to a creep, a stalk to a steady lift.
The smooth outline should show quality, gracefulness and perfect balance. There should be sufficient substance to convey endurance. Balance, outline, intelligence, temperament, and movement are of overriding importance. The McNab Shepherd is thoroughly sound, willing and able to do its work.
Characteristics
The McNab Shepherd is a fast, alert and intelligent dog that is anxious and able to work livestock under the direction of its master. They should be neither nervous nor aggressive, but keen and responsive.
Head
Fairly broad skull, no prominence of occiput. Stop well-defined. No fullness in cheeks.
Muzzle
Tapering to the nose, moderately and strong. Approximately the same length as the skull.
Teeth
The McNab Shepherd has a full complement of strong teeth that meet in a scissors bite.
Eyes
Set wide apart, moderate in size, and oval in shape. Dark brown or amber in color. While blue eyes are rare they are not a color to be bred for. Expression should be mild, keen and intelligent.
Ears
Ears are medium size, broad at the base and taper towards the tip. May be carried drop, semi-erect or prick, and need not be matching. Are sensitive in their use.
Nose
Black, except in red dogs where it may be red. Well developed nostrils.
Neck
Strong and muscular; of good length. Slightly arched at the crest and broadening as it merges with the shoulders.
Forequarters
Shoulders are well laid back, and the elbows are held close to the body.
Forelegs
Straight and parallel when viewed from the front, from the side the pasterns are slightly sloping. Bone is strong, but not coarse.
Body
Slightly longer than tall. Athletic in appearance, with well-sprung ribs and a deep, rather broad chest. The loin is deep and muscular, not tucked up. The croup slopes gently to the set on of the tail.
Hindquarters
Strong and muscular.
Hind Legs
Thighs are long and deep, stifles and hocks are well turned. Rear pasterns are well boned and parallel when viewed from the rear.
Feet
Cat like feet, oval in shape, with deep pads and tight, well arched toes. Nails are short and strong.
Tail
Moderately long, reaching at least to the hock joint. Set on low, well furnished with hair, and with an upward sweep at the end which completes the graceful appearance of the dog. The tail may be raised in excitement, but never carried over the back. On occasion dogs can be born naturally bob-tailed, docking is acceptable.
Coat
Moderately short and smooth. Straight and sometimes slightly wavy. The top coat is a fine texture. The undercoat is soft and short. Occasionally the hind legs and ears will have feathering.
Color
Black and red. White trim. All colors or combination of colors and/or markings acceptable. Solid color, bi-color, tri-color, and blonde dogs are to be considered equally with no one color or pattern preferred over another. White markings may be clear white. Ticking should be minimal. Color and markings always secondary to physical evaluation and gait.
Gait
Free, smooth and tireless, keeping the feet close to the ground. Gait conveys the impression of being able to move with great stealth and speed.
Height
18 – 25 inches at the withers average.
Weight
40 – 70 lb (16 – 34 kg) average.