In the years we have worked with McNabs, I have often wondered if Alexander McNab truly realized what a helpful friend he imported from Scotland for work on his sheep ranch outside the town of Ukiah, California. We, the ranchers and farmers, up and down the coast and the great central valley of California, thank the McNab family over and over again. Because after over a century, the McNab shepherd is still working and is now even more popular with the cattlemen and sheepmen.

Many questions arise from all over the US of A about the origins of this dog. We have been fortunate in obtaining the following information, actually two histories. There has been little written about these dogs, but what there is available we are more than willing to share. Because we care, we try to keep the quoted word "as is". Please note our personal footnotes and take them only as our opinions; the reference footnotes, however, are from previously published articles, speeches, and letters.

The following are direct quotes from an article published by Al Testado, Times Sports Editor, entitled "A Dog Detective Does a Scotland Yard Job" . A letter was written in 1955 by Robert W. Scott, son-in-law to John McNab, to Cliff Waterman who was rewarded in his efforts to obtain a history of a really fine working dog.

I found this read interesting because from my reading there is kind of two stories found about the McNab dogs and this one has both. You can finish up the reading at http://flyballdogs.com/personal/mcnab.html

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242 COMPETITORS and 22 COUNTRIES have registered to compete in the 2008 Land Rover World Sheepdog Trial. Competitors will be coming from: the Czech Republic, Portugal, Faroes, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Finland, Italy, Canada, France, New Zealand, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and the USA!
Lets read the Competitor Profiles of some of TEAM USA:

Joyce Geier
Anne Mock
Nancy Obernier
Gene Sheninger

World Sheepdog Trial Website is at
http://www.worldsheepdogtrials.org/new/index.php

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These slick or short-haired cowdogs were originally bred by using a cross of approximately 1/8 Catahoula Leopard (for their slick coat and their ability to trail, find, and hold up cattle), 1/4 Australian Shepherd (Hangin’ Tree Black Bear, who won both the Idaho and Montana Stockdog Championships and sold for $20,000.00, was the only Australian Shepherd used, because of his courage and ability to handle any kind of cattle), 1/4 Kelpie (for their endurance, short hair, and herding instinct), and 3/8 to ½ cattle-bred Border Collie (for their ease of training and handling, and their intense herding desire.) This has resulted in a tough cowdog that can easily be taught to trail and find cattle.

Choc and Gary Ericsson originated the breed to be the cowboy's ultimate dog. It was named after the family brand--Hangin' Tree. The breed was designed for endurance, as many cowboys need a dog that can go all day and withstand harsh conditions...and sometimes even harsh treatment. Of utmost importance was the dog's ability to hit both heads and heels of cattle. The foundation stock that was selected for the original registry were intelligent, courageous, hardworking and loyal. These slick haired dogs don't collect burrs or stickers and withstand heat well. In winter, they develop a thick undercoat in colder climates. Contact   John P. Lavelle  at The Hangin' Tree Cowdog Association, Inc. about registration. Eligible pups must demonstrate the ability to hit both heads and heels of cattle.

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