These sheep originated in the 15th century from the Valais Canton region of Switzerland, yet were not recognized as a breed till 1962.
Valais Blacknose sheep were originally raised for the wool, and quickly became a favorite; not only because of the amount of wool provided but also their mysterious looks and good temperament.
In fact, it’s quite common for Blacknose sheep to be treated like one of the family among farmers in Switzerland, just like a beloved pet dog.
But this isn’t exclusive to the Swiss Alps, people all over the world have adopted these sheep as pets.
They have become fashionable sheep and are in high demand globally. As mentioned, they make great pets due to their calm nature and friendly character.
It is their appearance though, that truly sets them apart.
Their face, ears, knees, and feet are all black, all surrounded by thick curly wool. And as if that wasn’t enough, they also have spiral horns.
Check out the video below showing off the sheeps’ majestic horns while grazing:
For the most part of the 20th century, the Valais Blacknose sheep’s population was declining, it wasn’t until around 40 years ago that their population began resurging, especially in Switzerland.
Helped by shows and contests set up by a community of farmers and fans of the adorable fluffballs, you can now find them all over the world.
Currently, in the US, they are a highly sought-after breed of sheep, especially as there is no pure-bred of the species found across the country.
The Valais Blacknose sheep are one of the more popular icons of the Valais Canton region in Switzerland. We can see why these sheep are so popular.
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