While there are similarities between the herding dogs, each has its own unique 'label' to separate it from the rest. The Australian Kelpies, the Louisiana Catahoula Leopards and the McNabs are not as well known as the other herding breeds.

In order for the lesser known breeds to become part of the AKC (American Kennel Club), the breed people have to request to become AKC registered. The AKC only considers adding new breeds to the FSS® or its registry upon request.

They are good with children when they are raised with them from puppy hood. One of the basic prerequisites for your children and your puppy to have a good relationship is to teach the child, as well as the puppy, what is allowed. Babies and toddlers should not be left unattended with your dog, no matter what breed. A child should learn not to handle the dog roughly or tease him. The parent, not the child, should be responsible for correcting the puppy if he gets too rough. Puppies and dogs have a tendency to look at children as "siblings" in the social order of the family, and the dog should never be allowed to get the upper position over the child. Something that sometimes occurs with puppies of herding breeds and kids is that, in play, the puppy may chase and nip at the heels of the child. This is because the dog is bred to herd and he is trying to "herd" the child because it is natural to herd something moving. In this situation, it is a good idea to have the child stop running and tell the dog "no bite." This should not be confused with actually trying to harm the child, but the game should not be encouraged. 

This workaholic will work until it drops. They are independent and in business for themselves rather than for pleasing a handler. Boredom is the breed's doom. In their native country of Australia, they work all day even in intense heat, covering 1,000 to 4,000-plus acres. The breed uses "eye" similar to the Border collie's on the tractable stock, but utilizes its nipping ability to turn more stubborn cattle.  Working Kelpies are renowned for running along the backs of sheep when moving them through chutes. They can also be trained as seeing-eye dogs.
 

Blue and Tan

Cream

They are they agile working dogs, extremely intelligent, and wonderful family companions. They are quick learners and loyal friends. They are quick learners and loyal friends. Naturally reserved with strangers, but should never be shy or timid. Owners should encourage them to meet people but not force encounters.  They do have strong territorial instincts and are naturally possessive and protective of their owners and home. When raised with children, Aussies love kids and quickly become a predictable and devoted family member. They do not need a huge yard to run in, but they do need daily exercise and attention. They love to play ball and frisbee. It's hard to keep most of them out of water. They make great foot warmers curled up at the end of the bed.
 

The Australian Shepherd comes in four acceptable colors: black, blue merle (a marbling of gray and black), red (ranging from light cinnamon to liver), and red merle (marbling of red and silver or buff). A variety of white and tan markings may appear on the face, chest, front and rear legs. Males weigh approximately 50 to 65 pounds; females weigh about 40 to 55 pounds with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. The eyes of the Australian Shepherd are perhaps one of his most commented on features because of the variety of colors. They may be any color or combination of colors from glassy blue, amber, hazel, to all shades of brown.

Those of us who love Aussies can't imagine a more perfect breed of dog. Unfortunately, the very characteristics we value in these dogs make them unsuitable for some homes and owners. Consider carefully if your lifestyle can accommodate the exuberance of a typical Aussie.

They were developed to be a moderate-sized, intelligent, all-purpose stock dog of great character and endurance. Many today still do the work they were bred for, and even those that have never seen sheep or cattle usually have a strong herding instinct. They need fenced yards and leashes, as the temptation to herd dogs, children, and traffic can simply overwhelm them.

Being bred to work hard all day means that most are not content to be couch potatoes, although some are more sedate and quiet-natured than others. Mostly these are high-energy dogs that need a job and they are quite capable of out-thinking their owners. Owners must be committed to give these dogs the time and attention they require through play and training, for as with any dog, undirected energy can turn towards destructive behaviors, such as digging and chewing. Running, jumping, and roughhousing are all a part of being a normal Aussie.
 

Lethal white puppy*

In general, they are healthy dogs and can be expected to live up to twelve years or more. Regular brushing and nail trimming are required. To maintain their high energy levels, they may eat more than other, more sedate dogs of similar size, so be prepared to feed plenty of high quality food.
 

They are basically very good with children if they have been raised with them, and sometimes even when they have not been around them. One of the basic prerequisites for your children and your puppy to have a good relationship is to teach the child, as well as the puppy, what is allowed. Babies and toddlers should not be left unattended with your dog, no matter what breed. A child should learn not to handle the dog roughly or tease him. The parent, not the child, should be responsible for correcting the puppy if he gets too rough. Puppies and dogs have a tendency to look at children as "siblings" in the social order of the family, and the dog should never be allowed to get the upper position over the child. Something that sometimes occurs with Aussie puppies and kids is that, in play, the puppy may chase and nip at the heels of the child. This is because the dog is bred to herd and he is trying to "herd" the child because it is natural to herd something moving. In this situation, it is a good idea to have the child stop running and tell the dog "no bite." This should not be confused with actually trying to harm the child, but the game should not be encouraged.

 They are perfect for people wishing to own a highly trainable, versatile, super-smart dog that can work/play "'till the cows come home." If you have the time and commitment, you won't be disappointed. These special dogs deserve special owners. Their loyalty, drive, character, and whimsical sense of humor place them in a class by themselves!       
 

Blue Merle

Red Merle

Red Tri-Color

Black Tri-Color

An example of the variability

of Black Aussies

The Merle

eye color

For more information on the Australian Shepherd you can check these sites:

 Kennel Club http://www.akc.org/breeds/australian_shepherd/index.cfm 
Dog owners guide http://www.canismajor.com/dog/ausshep.html 
About.com: dogs http://dogs.about.com/cs/breedprofiles/p/australian_shep.htm 
Wikipedia  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Shepherd 
Liz Palika http://www.lizpalika.com/rightdog.html 
United States Australian Shepherd Association http://www.australianshepherds.org/about.html 

 The following page from Bark Bytes lists many Aussie rescues around the US
http://www.barkbytes.com/rescue/ausshp.htm 

*To find out more about Lethal whites you can go to:

Aussie Lads http://www.aussielads.com/ 
Lethal Whites http://www.lethalwhites.com/ 
Amazing Aussies http://amazingaussies.com/ 

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A medium-sized dog, they tend to average between 30 to 55 pounds. Average Life Span is 12 to 16 years.  Common Colors include: Black & white, Red & White, Black Tri-color, Red Tri-color, Sable, and Blue Merle. Purebred Border Collies can also be one solid color. Coat varies from short/smooth/close to the body - to long/feathered/perhaps wavy or curly - and everything in-between. Most coats are water-repellent and easy to clean. Minimal grooming is required. Due to relatively short coats and little-to-zero undercoat, they stay relatively clean. Occasional bathing, toenail trimming and brushing is needed. They think nothing of running through deep muddy pools or laying down in them.

Genetic health disorders can occur occasionally in them include Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Canine Hip Dysplasia, seizures, hyperthermia. Accidental injuries are common due to high-speed athletic activities.

The Border collie was originally bred many years ago in the border country between Scotland and England as a working dog for sheep ranchers. Today the Border collie remains a working machine who can maintain control over sheep for many hours or days at a time. Although bred for its abilities and natural herding instinct rather than for appearance, they were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1994 and are now allowed to compete in conformation classes (for AKC Championships).

People who love outdoor activities and regular daily exercise would love a Border collie. If you enjoy teaching a dog amazing new tricks on a regular basis, you would be one very entertaining Border collie owner. If you would like extreme devotion, affection and attention from your dog, the Border collie is for you. If, on the other hand, you live a quiet sedentary lifestyle, don't want to be bothered with tossing the ball every day or teaching new tricks to your dog, and installed new white carpeting you wish to remain unstained, FORGET owning a Border collie.

They are an extremely intense breed of dog that can control the movement of sheep by simply using their "eye."  The eye-lock stare can look very intimidating

They are very wise souls who can look at your face and get into your head, know what you are thinking. They are sensitive and can get their feelings hurt easily, pouting for hours. They are affectionate, known to truly hug their owners. They are playful and adore their toys, asking you to join them for a game. They enjoy traveling, swimming and watching television or simply being close to their people. Although they can run at the speed of light for long periods of time, they also can settle down quietly at your feet inside the house. Generally, they get along well with other dogs and family pets, pay close attention to their owners, and tend to stay home (unless bored, ignored and frustrated).

They are an exceptionally versatile dog breed which can compete in dog sports, perform many dog tricks, retrieve like a Labrador, point like a Setter, swim like a fish, assist as a Search & Rescue Team member, as well as join owners as an enthusiastic hiking/jogging/camping/boating partner. Most are highly sight and sound sensitive - they see and hear things we would certainly overlook. They often exhibit quirky behaviors observing shadows, moving lights, flying bugs, air movement, hearing sounds that we cannot such as vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, and toaster sounds, rustling tin foil, a human cough or sneeze, baby crying, laughing, thunder & lightening, gunshots and fireworks... to mention a few.

They require lots of socialization and training to avoid becoming overly property and family protective. Owners who neglect their high demand for regularly daily exercise can expect noticeable behavior problems (digging, chewing, barking, escaping yards, household destruction) so a commitment to off-leash running for at least 2 hours a day is needed. A gentle walk around the neighborhood is inadequate. Obedience, manners and other training are absolutely necessary.

They are NOT recommended for children under 12 years of age.  One of the basic prerequisites for your children and your puppy to have a good relationship is to teach the child, as well as the puppy, what is allowed. Babies and toddlers should not be left unattended with your dog, no matter what breed. A child should learn not to handle the dog roughly or tease him. The parent, not the child, should be responsible for correcting the puppy if he gets too rough. Puppies and dogs have a tendency to look at children as "siblings" in the social order of the family, and the dog should never be allowed to get the upper position over the child. Something that sometimes occurs with puppies of herding breeds and kids is that, in play, the puppy may chase and nip at the heels of the child. This is because the dog is bred to herd and he is trying to "herd" the child because it is natural to herd something moving. In this situation, it is a good idea to have the child stop running and tell the dog "no bite." This should not be confused with actually trying to harm the child, but the game should not be encouraged.

They LIVE for training and are very receptive to any new command. They excel at agility, fly ball, obedience, tracking, fetching, Frisbee toss, and sheep herding (surprisingly there are many sheepdog trainers in Washington & Oregon). An untrained/ignored Border collie will become frustrated and bored resulting in problematic behaviors. They house train quickly. Even dogs that have spent years strictly outdoors have become wonderful house pets. Like any dog, they can be destructive if left alone loose indoors unsupervised.

Saddle Pattern

                                          
Blue Merle

Black and White

Red and White

Smooth Coated Tri-Color

Smooth Coated Lilac and White

The diversity of the breed

For more information about the Border Collie you can check these sites:

All about Border Collies’ http://www.bordercollie.org 
Dog breed info central http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bordercollie.htm 
About dot com: dogs http://dogs.about.com/b/a/145955.htm 
American Kennel Club http://www.akc.org/breeds/border_collie/index.cfm 
Dog owners guide http://www.canismajor.com/dog/borderc.html 
The Border Collie museum http://www.gis.net/~shepdog/BC_Museum/ 

 The following page from Bark Bytes lists many Border Collie rescues around the US.
http://www.barkbytes.com/rescue/brdcol.htm 

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Formerly known as the Catahoula Cur, The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is registered with the American rare dog breed Association.  It is a medium-large dog whose weight may range from 40 to 100 lbs with a life expectancy of 12 to13 years. They need to be kept inside in cold weather because they have a very short, smooth, single coat.  Common colors include blue leopard, red leopard, patchwork, black, red, yellow, and brindle. Various amounts of tan, brindle, and/or white trim may also be present. This breed is known for its striking blue eyes (called "glass") but their eyes may be any color. Their feet are webbed very similar to that of a duck with more prominent webbing that extends almost to the ends of the toes. This foot gives the Catahoula the ability to work marshy areas and gives them great swimming ability. They mature right around 2 and it is as if a light goes on and they say to themselves "I am an adult now and I need to act grown up."

As a breed they are relatively free of a lot of diseases, though they are prone to hip dysphasia and deafness. Along with the deafness (both ears or just one) this breed can have eye problems (tunnel vision, eye won't open all the way, pupil is abnormal, etc.).

They are intelligent, loyal, independent, protective and highly entertaining! Most people who are "owned" by these dogs would never have another breed. They need a lot of mental and physical stimulation in order to be happy. One to two hours DAILY of running or hard play is just the beginning.  They make excellent working dogs, excelling in herding, hunting, protection, and police work. They tend to be protective and territorial, guarding their home and family. For this reason, they make excellent watchdogs.  They must have obedience training as they are more primitive psychologically than most breeds and need consistent obedience reinforcement. The owner must understand the Alpha concept and stay in control at all times, but still be loving to the dog. Very loyal, loving, intelligent and independent...they really think for themselves.  Loving with their family and all people they know well and reserved with strangers (this would include strange children). They need to make up to a person, not a person make up to them.

They are good with children when they are raised with them from puppy hood. One of the basic prerequisites for your children and your puppy to have a good relationship is to teach the child, as well as the puppy, what is allowed. Babies and toddlers should not be left unattended with your dog, no matter what breed. A child should learn not to handle the dog roughly or tease him. The parent, not the child, should be responsible for correcting the puppy if he gets too rough. Puppies and dogs have a tendency to look at children as "siblings" in the social order of the family, and the dog should never be allowed to get the upper position over the child.

For more information about the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog you can go to these sites:

Dog breed info center http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/catahoula.htm 
Wikipedia  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catahoula_Leopard_Dog 
The Catahoula Leopard Dog breed history http://www.catahoulaleopard.com/homepg.htm 
Catahoula Leopard.com http://www.catahoulaleopard.com/ 
The Canine information library http://www.bulldoginformation.com/catahoula-leopard.html 

 This page from NetPets lists 3 Catahoula rescues (The Kansas rescue page is closed)
http://www.netpets.com/dogs/dogresc/breeds/dogcat_lpd.html 
Catahoula United Rescue Society (C.U.R.S.)
http://www.catahoulaunited.com/ 

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The McNab shepherd, also called a McNab Sheepdog, McNab Border Collie, The McNab dog, and the McNab Herding Dog, is a developing breed of dog.  Alexander McNab brought two Border collie dogs from Scotland to the McNab ranch in Mendocino County in 1885.  He bred these dogs to select shepherd females of Spanish origin and that cross was called McNab Shepherds.

The appearance of the McNab can vary widely. They range from 40 lb to 70 lb. Some have natural bobtails and others have long, narrow, short-furred tails. Their ears are medium sized and can be "pricked" or the top half may flop over. They are mostly shorthaired, usually black and white. They can also be red and white with tricolor and solid varieties of both colors. The longer-haired McNab may need some brushing, but they have a tendency to expertly groom themselves. A strong characteristic of the dog is its "cat-like" feet, which enable its agility.              

Like other herding dogs, these dogs are bred for brains not beauty. Well known as cattle herders, they can also herd horses, sheep, and llamas. They are also used for protection, performing in Agility & Frisbee. They require extensive grounds in which to run and are happiest with a job to do.  Along with physical exercise, they need to be stimulated mentally. Teaching them new activities or ‘tricks’ and being allowed to explore and learn new environments can accomplish this. They are sociable with other dogs and humans, obedient, protective and friendly.

Generally they are more direct and forceful than the Border collie, not as excitable as the Kelpie, and not as strong minded as an Australian Cattle dog.  Very easy to teach, giving you their attention and complete loyalty.  Usually they are a one person, one family dog that does not tolerate stray dogs, strange people or animals.

One of the basic prerequisites for your children and your puppy to have a good relationship is to teach the child, as well as the puppy, what is allowed. Babies and toddlers should not be left unattended with your dog, no matter what breed. A child should learn not to handle the dog roughly or tease him. The parent, not the child, should be responsible for correcting the puppy if he gets too rough. Puppies and dogs have a tendency to look at children as "siblings" in the social order of the family, and the dog should never be allowed to get the upper position over the child. Something that sometimes occurs with puppies of herding breeds and kids is that, in play, the puppy may chase and nip at the heels of the child. This is because the dog is bred to herd and he is trying to "herd" the child because it is natural to herd something moving. In this situation, it is a good idea to have the child stop running and tell the dog "no bite." This should not be confused with actually trying to harm the child, but the game should not be encouraged.

They require a minimum of one hour of exercise a day. Because of their need to control, you must be the alpha of the pack. Early training and socialization is essential as they will tug and bark to get their own way.  If you have the stamina with a lifestyle active enough to accommodate their energy needs, the McNab will make a playful and loyal pet.

You can go to these web sites for more information on these dogs:

Legacy Connemaras http://www.legacyconnemaras.com/McNabs.html 
The McNab Dog http://www.flyballdogs.com/personal/mcnab.html 
Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McNab_(dog) 
Bud Williams Stockmanship School http://stockmanship.com/mcnabs.htm 
Hawk Stock Dogs http://www.hawkstockdogs.com/mcnabcattledogs.html 
McNab history http://www.meqh.com/mcnabs/history.html 

 There are no stand-alone McNab rescues.

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Last updated on: 06/21/2013

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