The Valais Blacknose Sheep hail from the mountainous Valais region in Switzerland, specifically the upper Valais Wallis area where the Valais German dialect is spoken. The breed traces its roots to this unique landscape. Valais is one of Switzerland's 26 cantons, located in the southwest along the Rhône valley, stretching from its headwaters to Lake Geneva. This canton dramatically separates the Pennine Alps from the Bernese Alps and is known for its climatic extremes—its central Rhône valley is among Switzerland’s driest areas, while its highest peaks receive abundant snow and rain, including 50 summits above 4,000 meters. The canton is famous for landmarks like the Matterhorn and resort towns such as Crans-Montana, Saas Fee, and Zermatt. As the third-largest canton, Valais is divided into 13 districts, symbolized by the 13 stars on its flag, with Sion as its capital.
The VBN sheep breed, which stands for the British and New Zealand breeds, is actually called the Walliser Schwarznasenschaf. This unique sheep breed has a long history in the Valais region, dating back to 5000 BC. It has a characteristic black nose and curly horns.
According to the book Das Walliser Schwarznasenschaf, the Blacknose sheep probably originated from a cross between black sheep and the "Coppersheep" mentioned in 15th-century Swiss historical documents. The breed was first mentioned in the 19th century, specifically the black-nosed sheep from the valley of Visp in Valais.
The Valais region was very poor, and sheep were an important source of food, clothing, and money for the farmers, most of whom lived on the steep slopes of Valais. So, the SN were valued and loved by the people of Valais—and still are.
Twice in history, the breed almost died out. Firstly, there were epidemic spreads of tuberculosis in 1930 and 1940, which affected the people and sheep alike in Valais. Then, in the 1960s, a breeding program by the Swiss authorities tried to convince the Valais breeders to cross the SN with more meaty breeds. The tradition-conscious breeders refused, and the experiments were given up.
The first Upper Valais Sheep Breeders Association was founded in 1948. However, the breed became a registered breed only in 1962 and was included in the Swiss Sheep Breeders Association in 1964.
The Swiss Blacknose sheep is a resilient mountain breed known for thriving on the steep, rocky slopes of the Alps. They have a reputation for easy lambing and producing fast-growing lambs all year round. The sheep are a dual-purpose breed, providing both meat and coarse carpet-grade wool. The wool fibers have an average micron of 38 in mature sheep, while it's approximately 28-30 in lambs. This type of wool is ideal for felting and was traditionally favored by Valais farming women for spinning. The long staple of the fleece, which grows around 30 cm annually, adds to its appeal. The fleece's white and fluffy look makes it particularly popular for its "cuddly toy" appeal.
According to Paul Julen, an Upper Valais Blacknose sheep farmer from Zermatt, he brings his flock down from the mountains in October to prepare for winter. After spending six months in the surrounding Alps, some of the sheep return from the pasture to the farm by themselves. "Blacknose sheep have a better memory for places and a sense of time than people," he says. He enjoys creating specialties at his family restaurant, with 15 different meat variations. This breed's meat has a fat content that's 50% lower than other breeds and is known for being tasty even to those who are not partial to lamb, likely due to the different variety of mountain herbs they feed on.
The animals' unique appearance includes black markings on their noses, eyes, ears, front knees, ankles, hocks, and feet, set against a white coat. The females also have black spots on their tails. Both males and females have twisted, spiral-shaped horns. Their size adds to their striking appearance. Rams can weigh between 80-130 kg and measure 75-83 cm in height, while ewes weigh between 70-90 kg and are 72-78 cm tall. They are also known for their charming nature.
When people, especially other farmers, ask us about the Valais sheep, we often hear the question, "But what are they good for?" We respond that they are amazing-looking animals. However, people still wonder about their purpose. We explain that in their native land, they are raised for their meat and wool. But beyond that, the Valais sheep has gained worldwide popularity as "the world's cutest breed." Some people mistake them for well-crafted felt projects, as they don't even look real.
In addition to their appearance, Valais sheep are known for their charming personalities. Valais sheep are very friendly, unlike most mountain breeds, which tend to have an intense "fight or flight" response. Hikers in the mountains often have engaging encounters with them and find it difficult to take their photos because the sheep want to be close to whoever is around. Once you meet a Valais sheep, they say you have a friend for life!
Exports of Valais sheep from their native land are carefully controlled. Farmers are very protective of their animals, treating them with love and respect. Every February, the sheep participate in their own "beauty contest" in Visp, wearing their traditional copper bells and being presented to admirers in a large school hall.
Britain History
Valais sheep breeders in Britain are gaining notoriety despite their small numbers (around 400 and growing). Sales of individual animals are reaching record amounts, and breeders are creating events dedicated to the breed. One such event was the Blacknose Beauties Show hosted by the UK Valais Blacknose Sheep Society. The show aimed to mirror the Swiss system, and it was based on the Miss Visp contest. The event had 13 classes, and breeders competed in them. Eight Swiss judges were brought in to educate farmers and ensure the standards were upheld. For links to the Carlisle show-winning breeders and photographs, visit MacGregorphotography.com and the Valais Blacknose Sheep Society.