We’ve all seen the cute white and black sheep with the long curly wool, thick curly horns, distinct black faces, and adorable knee patches and said “I need one of those”.
The World’s Cutest Sheep
Where did they originate and what is their purpose?
The breed originates from the Valais region of Switzerland, where they are a dual purpose breed used for meat and wool.
How big do they get?
Average height and weight for an adult:
Ewe between 28 and 30 inches—Weight 150—200 lbs.
Ram between 29 and 32 inches—Weight 175—290 lbs.
How can I get one?
Until recently the dream of owning a Valais Blacknose seemed unachievable for many. This due to prohibition on importation of live sheep importing from Europe . However, select breeders within the USA were determined to develop a US purebred flock. Hence the breed up program began with importing semen from rams in Switzerland and New Zealand. Foundation ewes, such as the Scottish Blackface, were inseminated with purebred Valais Blacknose semen over several generations to breed up to a US purebred standard. In 2020, embryo importation was permitted, thus speeding up the process and in 2021 the first live purebred sheep were born. Availability of purebred lambs is still extremely limited. Purebreds will cost between $25,000 and $30,000+ per animal.
Clapper’s Hillside Ranch participates in the Valais Blacknose Breed Up Program. Our lambs are all DNA tested and registered through VBISBAR. Semen for our program is purchased through Elite Sheep Reproduction Services where we select from only Maximum Point Genetics Rams. Our foundation flock started with Registered Scottish Blackface ewes that have the most desirable features and conformation. This ensures that our lambs offered have the best quality genetics.
