Valais Blacknose

Coming from the Valais region of Switzerland these sheep are very rare with only a few thousand now remaining. They are mostly found in the mountains of Switzerland, where their existence is now threatened by the recent return of the wolf. There are a few breeders in Germany and also here in the UK.

Although the earliest mention of these sheep dates back to the 1400’s this large docile mountain sheep was first recognised as a separate breed in 1962. They are well suited to their life in the high mountains where they graze even on the steepest, stoniest slopes. The black patches on their nose, eyes, ears, knees, hocks and feet with light woolly fleeces make them unmistakable.

The wool produced by these very striking sheep is fairly coarse but hard wearing so great if you need a bear who will follow an active life!