Although the earliest mention of these sheep dates back to the 1400's this large framed docile mountain sheep was first recognised as a separate breed in 1962. It has adapted well to life in the high mountains and grazes even on the steepest, stoniest slopes. The black patches on its nose, eyes, ears, knees, hocks and feet and otherwise light woolly coats make it quite unmistakeable. They are mostly found in the mountains of Switzerland, there are a couple of breeders in Germany.

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Valais Blacknose Sheep

Valais Blacknose sheep are known to be good for their meat as they are large animals, they are also well known for their wool, which is best used for felting and for carpets. They have placid natures and are easily tamed, combined with their striking appearance they make the perfect pet sheep.

These sheep are very rare and there are only a few thousand left in the world, with only a few hundred in the UK. Their existence is currently threatened by the recent return of the wolf to Switzerland

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Press

The surreal appearance and fabulous temperament of the VBN has earned it a reputation as the "world's cutest sheep" and so as well as going viral all over the web they have had features on BBC Countryfile and articles in Country Smallholding and Mole Valley Farmers magazine. There is even a children's book about a VBN called "Moor Adventures of Lolly Pop".

My sheep caused a stir with the local press when they arrived in March 2015 with features in The Argus, The Sussex Express and The Herald. They even earned a mention on page 9 of national paper The Times!