The Border Collie and McNab are two of the most popular herding breeds in the world. They are both high-energy and intelligent, making them great working dogs. Yet, both of them are uniquely different.
Physical and mental activities on a regular basis are requirements to let these two dogs maintain their health and happiness. Both the Border Collie and the McNab are included in the list of excellent dog choices if you want a high-energy dog who is eager to take on new challenges.
Characteristics Comparison between Border Collies and McNab
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between the Border Collies and the McNab:
| Characteristic | Border Collie | McNab |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 15-20 inches tall at the shoulder, 30-50 pounds | 20-24 inches tall at the shoulder, 50-70 pounds |
| Coat | Medium-length can be either smooth or rough | Long, thick coat |
| Color | Black and white combination, tan and white combination, or merle | Black coat, brown, and white |
| Temperament | Intelligent, very active, and easily trainable | Intelligent, high-energy, but more relaxed than the Border Collie |
| Activity level | High | High |
| Best for | Families with active lifestyles, agility, and obedience competitions | Families with active lifestyles, hiking, and camping |
History of Breeds
Herding dogs of the McNab breed can be traced back to California in the nineteenth century. Scottish immigrant and sheep farmer Alexander McNab originated the breed by interbreeding imported Scottish Collies with other shepherd dogs in 1245. This breed was developed in Northern California to endure the region’s extreme climate, dense underbrush, and thorny vegetation.
The Border Collie is a type of herding dog that was developed at the border between England and Scotland. Since its emergence in the 18th century, the Border Collie is such a modern breed. It is thought that they are a hybrid of Old English Sheepdogs and Scotch Collies. In 1915, the Border Collie received official recognition from the American Kennel Club.
Appearance of McNab Compared to a Border Collie
The McNab and the Border Collie are two examples of intelligent and active herding dogs. There are, nonetheless, notable distinctions in their physical appearance.
The body frame of the McNab dog falls on a medium size. They have a double thick coat that gives off either black, white or a mixture of black and white coat color. Meanwhile, the Border Colle s a little bit shorter than the McNab. But it showcases a wide array of coat colors and usually has short, smooth hair.
When it comes to their head the McNab’s is typically longer compared to the narrower shorter and wider head of the Border Collie. The stop, or depression between the bridge of the nose and the forehead, is likewise more apparent in the McNab.
McNab dogs can have any ear set imaginable, from perked to floppy and back again. Either partially or completely, the Border Collie’s ears stand up and are far apart.
The McNab dog’s tail can be either long or short (bobbed by hand or by machine). The Border Collie has a long tail that is carried low and curves upward towards the end.
Size of Border Collie vs McNab
McNab canines are much bigger than Border collies. The male McNab dogs are 18 inches high to 25 inches high, while the females 16 inhes high to 21inches high. Regardless of gender, the weight of McNab ranges between thirty and sixty-five pounds. Generally, a Border Collie stands about 18-22 inches high while its weight ranges from 27-45 pounds. Therefore, McNabs are often larger in size and weight relative to Border Collies.
Coats & Colors
Black, blonde, blue, red, or sable – all are possible colors that you can find in a McNab dog. They generally have white markings on their short to medium coats. Moreover, one good feature of the coat of the McNab dog is being weather-resistant.
Border Collies can be found in black, blue, blue merle, brindle, gold, lilac, red, or red merle. Like the McNab, the Border Collies also have white markings on their silky medium-length coats. The difference is that the coat markings also appear in various colors as well.
Difference in Personality & Temperament
If you’re a new pet owner, bringing home a McNab dog is a good decision. It is a dog full of confidence, loyal, intelligent, and high in energy levels. The McNab gets along great with kids, other animals, and even complete strangers. It demands some physical activity and mental challenges.
But, if you are gearing toward the Border Collie, petting them is not a good choice if this is just your first-time experience with dogs. This is because their intelligence, level of alertness, responsiveness, and energy levels are all high. It gets along great with kids and other pets but may be wary of new people. Physical exertion and mental challenge are essential.
Family of Border Collie vs McNab
Not all dogs are suitable for keeping as pets at home. But the Border Collies easily made it to the top. However, while the typical Border makes a wonderful pet, life isn’t always easy with them…
Nearly as much as they appreciate physical activity, they like interacting with others and being mentally challenged. If you and your loved ones can give them the exercise, learning opportunities, and social interaction they require, then everyone will be content.
The McNab is the perfect dog for a home with children. They make excellent guard dogs because of their loyalty and protective nature.
Kids
Under the right circumstances, a Border Collie and a child can get along great. However, expect potential drawbacks and dangers to arise.
Border Collies are high-activity dogs that need regular physical and mental challenges. Active children who want a playmate who can keep up with them can find one in these animals. However, for kids who aren’t naturally energetic or who prefer quieter pursuits, they may be too much. If Border Collies don’t get enough to do, they can get destructive out of boredom.
If introduced and monitored appropriately, McNab dogs and children can also get along well. McNab dogs have a natural inclination to herd and regulate the movement of cattle, and this tendency occasionally extends to humans. When children rush around or make a lot of noise, they may try to bite, chase, or bark at them. McNab dogs require early and consistent training and socialization to prevent them from herding or biting children.
Other People
Border Collies are known for their unwavering loyalty and devotion to their human family, but they can be wary of and even aggressive toward strangers. They have a propensity to form close relationships with a single individual or family and may show little enthusiasm for meeting new people.
McNab dogs are said to be extremely loyal to their human family and fiercely protective of their territory. Aggressiveness through barking or growling may trigger when unfamiliar people, other dogs, or other animals are around. McNab dogs have a high IQ and are receptive to their owners, yet they may also be headstrong. They could test the boundaries set by their master by questioning his or her authority.
Other Dogs and Animals
Border Collies and other canines and animals can get along OK if they are introduced and taught to one another. Originally bred to herd sheep, Border Collies can show an interest in herding and controlling the movement of other dogs and animals as well. To get their way, they could nip, chase, or bark at the animal.
McNab dogs have this characteristic of being territorial and aggressive. This is most likely true if threats are on their way. Barking or growling, at people, other dogs, and other animals that invade their territory are their ways to protect their possession. They must be trained to recognize and respect limits and to follow their owner’s instructions.
Behavior Issues
Herding canines like McNab dogs and Border Collies often have behavioral difficulties that their owners must work to correct. A few examples of frequent problems are as follows:
Both breeds are highly clever and active, therefore they need regular physical and mental challenges to
avoid becoming bored. Dogs might develop destructive behaviors like chewing, digging, and excessive barking if they don’t get enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Both breeds share a strong instinct to herd and direct the movement of livestock, which may extend to humans, other dogs, and even other animals. To get their way, they could nip, chase, or bark at the animal.
The McNab and the Border Collie are extremely loyal and dedicated dog breeds making them have a close bond with their human families. But, separation anxiety has a higher chance of being experienced by these breeds especially when left for a long time. When their owner isn’t around, they may develop separation anxiety, depression, or destructive behaviors. A peaceful, secure setting with clear, consistent boundaries is essential for their development.
Training & Exercise of Border Collie vs. McNab
Border Collies are high-energy dogs who need regular walks and mental games. They really love to be in training like agility, fetching, or running because of their wit and ease to pick up new commands. Border Collies have a limited attention span, so it’s best to keep training sessions brief. They need to be well-adjusted socially as well. During training, positive conduct can be reinforced with tasty snacks.
McNab dogs are extremely active herding breeds that need daily walks and games to keep them happy and healthy. They need exercises that both condition their bodies (walking, retrieving) and their minds (games, canine sports) because they are smart and task-oriented. They are also great to take on a bike ride or jog with you.
Taking Care and Maintenance of Border Collie vs. McNab
Border Collies are high-maintenance canines due to their intelligence and strong energy levels. Yet, on the other hand, McNabs are low-maintenance dogs. Some advice on how to best care for them is listed in the following paragraph.
Grooming
Brushing is essential for the health and shine of the Border Collie’s double coat. Brushing their coat once or twice a week can help remove dead hair and prevent mats from forming.
Since a McNab dog’s coat just requires a once-weekly brushing to look its best, they make for easygoing companions. Unless the animal rolls around in the mud, bathing is not necessary very often. In many cases, all that is needed to bring back their coat’s sheen is a short wipe with a damp cloth.
Shedding
McNab dogs have short, dense coats that don’t need much maintenance. A slicker brush or grooming mitt used once a week is generally all that’s needed to keep their coat looking healthy and lustrous. McNabs are average shedders, so expect to deal with minor hair loss at various times of the year. However, maintaining a healthy coat and minimizing shedding can be accomplished with consistent brushing.
Border Collies, like most dogs, shed slightly throughout the year. But in rare situations, factors including changes in temperature or lifestyle might cause a substantial increase in shedding. Brushing and hair removal will be necessary twice a year to manage the dog’s excessive shedding. In reaction to seasonal changes like shorter days and cooler temperatures, the shedding cycle begins with a significant shedding phase. The process concludes when the annual coat sheds in preparation for winter.
Comparing Health of McNab and Border Collie
Border collies and McNabs are two of the healthiest dog breeds available today. However, there are several health concerns that require routine visits to the veterinarian.
Life Spans
McNabs and border collies happen to be some of the most common herding breeds that possess longer lifespan than many other types of dogs. The average lifetime of border collies is usually about 12 years while as McNabs may survive for around 13 years on average. The well-maintained health and good genetics are the reasons why they are able to live longer. They are both intelligent and agile and make perfect companions for people who will take good care of their mental and physical needs, which are required in case of long and active lives.
Diet & Nutrition
McNab dogs require two to three cups per day of premium dog food. Small servings of meat and vegetables might be given in between meals. McNab Dogs need a healthy dose of A, D, E, calcium, and phosphorus, among other vitamins and minerals. You can get all of these nutrients from a good commercial diet or by taking a supplement.
Dogs of the Border Collie breed need at least 18% of their food to come from protein sources. The minimal fat content set by AAFCO is 5% for adult dogs and 8% for puppies. Home-cooked or raw meals are the healthiest options for feeding any dog, including border collies.
Health Issues
Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and collie eye anomaly (CEA) are some of the more common health issues in Border Collies. Diseases including PRA and hip dysplasia are common in McNabs.
Cost of Getting a Getting a McNab vs Border Collie
A Border Collie that is purebred can be purchased at a minimum of $800 to a maximum of $2,000. Border Collie puppies can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000, depending on factors including whether or not they come with a health guarantee, vet checks, and limited AKC registration. On the other hand, owning a McNab dog may have you settle on a price of $700 up to a maximum of $1,000. However, this price range may vary depending on several factors like pedigree.
Puppies of McNab vs Border Collie
On the whole, a litter of Border Collies can have anywhere from six and eight little ones. Some litters, however, can have as many as twelve puppies.
A McNab dog can give birth to four to eight puppies in a litter. Yet this range can vary on the typical litter size of dogs of related breeds like the Border Collie and the Scottish Collie. McNab dogs typically have a litter size of around six puppies.
Breeders & Centers
Below are some online resources in which you can find breeders and even rescue centers for Border Collie and McNab dogs:
For Border Collies:
- Holther Border Collies – Georgia
- Contact Point Border Collies – California
- Rising Star Border Collies – Connecticut
For McNab:
- Vanir McNab Shepherds
- Continental Kennel Club
Conclusion: Which is Better McNab or Border Collie?
In choosing which breed is better a McNab dog or a Border Collie a person’s lifestyle and needs are an important factor. Both dog types are highly adaptable and useful in many ways. Nonetheless, there are distinctions worth considering.
The McNab dog is a good option if herding livestock is your top priority, but you’d rather have a dog with some independence. However, the Border Collie is a good choice if a highly trainable and flexible dog with a fantastic herding instinct is sought.
