A delightful breed

Valais Blacknose Sheep. For centuries this ancient rare breed was almost exclusively raised in the Valais region of Switzerland, famous for the Matterhorn Mountain. There are now less than 19,000 of these cute, friendly sheep left due to the wolves becoming protected in Switzerland.

Originally, they were used for meat, wool and milk to sustain the crofters. They slept in the same huts in winter and this seems to have passed through their genetics to keep their natures more friendly and dog-like in personality. Google now calls them the cutest sheep in the world with good reason. 

Giving the Blacknose Sheep its name, you will find the sheep have a black nose which extends up to the centre of the head  and encompasses the eyes.  The ears are black to the point where they meet the head. Knees on front and hocks on back legs have black spots and the hoof and ankle has black creating the impression of black boots. Ewes have a black tail spot and rams do not. Both ewes and rams have horns that spiral outwards.  The wool is white and very curly and grows quite long.

These are the breeding markings but the absolute exceptional quality of these sheep are their characters. They are friendly and inquisitive by nature and love being with people. Easily trained to lead and take for a walk and love to sit on your lap and be petted for hours on end. Incredibly gentle around children and other animals.