Last week saw the first show outside Switzerland of the world’s rarest breeds of sheep, held in Carlisle. Standard Wool have learnt that there was an appearance made there by the rare Valais blacknose.
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Valais blacknose
The Valais blacknose is so unusual that most farmers outside the Alpine nation unaware of the breed until recently. The sheep have distinctive looks, which have led to them being called the cutest sheep in the world. There are now around 400 Valais blacknoses in the UK, with the breed’s popularity rising incredibly quickly.
Swiss heritage
For the past 300 years, the Valais blacknose has been bred in Switzerland. However Jamie Wood, a farmer from Northumberland, has around 60 Valais blacknoses on his farm in Whittingham. Mr Wood said: “No-one outside of Switzerland knew these sheep even existed until two years ago because they spend the winter months inside and the summer living above glaciers in the Swiss mountains.
“A picture of one was put on Facebook which was shared millions of times, I saw it and thought what on earth is that? I just had to get one.”
Mr Wood stressed that it took time to earn the trust of the Swiss farmers before they were willing to sell their sheep outside of their homeland. The Valais blacknose is a very iconic animal for them, they are very patriotic about it and so they don’t want to see the breed diminished.
Distinctive looks
The Valais blacknose are a very kind breed, very good natured and docile, as they have only ever been reared by hand. The breed only became known outside of Switzerland after a picture of one was shared on Facebook and gained popularity.
Mr Wood, a member of the Valais Blacknose Sheep Society UK, added: “It is all about how they look, this is not an animal for commercial farming, it is a real speciality.
“The perfect blacknose must have an all-black face to the ears, two black patches on their knees and hocks and perfect wool – their wool is terrific.”
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