In the rural community of Boonville, California, winemaker and breeder Andy DuVigneaud is working to revive a nearly lost breed of working dog known as the fox collie. Originating from Scotch collies brought to California in the late 19th century, these dogs are closely related to the McNab shepherd, a breed prized by local ranchers for its versatility and temperament.
DuVigneaud, 49, a native of Northern California’s Anderson Valley, grew up familiar with McNab shepherds—a mix originally bred by Scottish immigrant Alexander McNab in the 1860s. McNabs were developed by crossing Scotch collies imported from Scotland with Australian shepherds and border collies, resulting in dogs well-suited to a variety of ranching tasks. While the McNab gained recognition among ranchers and the Continental Kennel Club, it has not been officially acknowledged by larger kennel organizations such as the American Kennel Club.
Within the McNab population, DuVigneaud had long heard stories of a particular strain characterized by smaller size, shorter coats, and a calm yet hardworking nature. He believed this strain represented the original Scotch collies that McNab himself imported. After acquiring a female dog named JJ during the COVID-19 pandemic, DuVigneaud conducted research and breeding efforts to reestablish what he rebranded as the fox collie—maintaining traits he considers ideal for both work and companionship.
Since initiating his breeding program in 2020, DuVigneaud has produced 16 litters, carefully selecting dogs based on size and temperament and using DNA testing to avoid inherited health issues common in purebred dogs. His approach remains old-fashioned, relying primarily on intuition and hands-on experience rather than high-tech methods. The fox collies distinguish themselves from border collies by their ability to relax and enjoy downtime, making them suited for modern lifestyles as well as traditional ranch work.
DuVigneaud sells fox collie puppies for $1,000 each and has received significant interest, garnering over 400 serious inquiries. Among those attracted to the breed is Joshua Korbel, a sound engineer from the Bay Area, who encountered the dogs after noticing a sign outside DuVigneaud’s wine shop advertising puppies. Korbel has since adopted a fox collie named Morena and describes her as well-behaved, affectionate, and suited to urban life.
The breeder envisions the fox collie as a solution not only for the decline of working dog breeds but also as a companion capable of addressing broader societal challenges tied to isolation and the loss of purpose. DuVigneaud believes that as technology reduces the need for traditional working dogs, these animals—and humans—face an existential challenge, one the fox collie is uniquely positioned to meet with its adaptable nature and loyalty.
Despite recent environmental concerns, including nearby forest fires, the effort to bring the fox collie back into prominence continues as DuVigneaud aims to preserve a breed he considers “the best dog in the world” and to contribute meaningfully to the bond between humans and dogs in a rapidly changing world.