Breed History

 

The Valais Blacknose sheep is a breed originates from the Valais region of Switzerland, and for hundreds of years that was the only location they could be found.  They were first mentioned around the year 1400, but they were not recognized as a breed until 1962. In 2014 the breed was imported to the UK and in 2016 the United States began importing semen as part of an "upgrading program."  The Valais Blacknose has a thick coat of coarse long white colored crimped wool, black noses, ears, eye rims, knees, and ankles and both male and female should have helical or spiral shaped horns.   They are a dual purpose breed and originally kept for both meat and wool. The wool is considered ideal for carpets, bedding, and felting. Valais are a naturally inquisitive and an extremely cute breed of sheep.  They are known for their stuffed toy appearance and gentle dispositions, therefore becoming more popular to smaller homesteads and farms as just a pet breed.