Valais Blacknose Sheep

Although the earliest mention of these sheep dates back to the 1400's this large framed docile mountain sheep was first recognised as a separate breed in 1962. It has adapted well to life in the high mountains and grazes even on the steepest, stoniest slopes. The black patches on its nose, eyes, ears, knees, hocks and feet and otherwise light woolly coats make it quite unmistakeable.  They are mostly found in the mountains of Switzerland, there are a couple of breeders in Germany. Valais Blacknose sheep are known to be good for their meat as they are large animals, they are also well known for their wool, which is best used for felting and for carpets. These sheep are very rare and there are only a few thousand left. Their existence is currently threatened by the recent return of the Wolf to Switzerland.  Although the earliest mention of these sheep dates back to the 1400's this large framed docile mountain sheep was first recognised as a separate breed in 1962. It has adapted well to life in the high mountains and grazes even on the steepest, stoniest slopes. The black patches on its nose, eyes, ears, knees, hocks and feet and otherwise light woolly coats make it quite unmistakeable. They are mostly found in the mountains of Switzerland, there are a couple of breeders in Germany. Valais Blacknose sheep are known to be good for their meat as they are large animals, they are also well known for their wool, which is best used for felting and for carpets. They have placid natures and are easily tamed, combined with their striking appearance they make the perfect pet sheep. These sheep are very rare and there are only a few thousand left in the world, with only a few hundred in the UK. Their existence is currently threatened by the recent return of the wolf to Switzerland.