VALAIS

The Blacknose hail from the Valais region, in the South West region of Switzerland.  It is one of 26 Cantons and is firmly situated within the Alps.
 

This Canton in the central Rhone Valley is simultaneously one of the driest regions of Switzerland and amongst the wettest, having large amounts of snow nearly all year round up on the highest peaks of Switzerland. The Canton of Valais is widely known for the Matterhorn and resort towns such as Saas Fee, Verbier, and Zermatt. It is composed of 13 districts and it's capital is Sion

HISTORY

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.

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.

These sheep are very rare and there are only a few thousand left. Their existence is currently threatened by the recent return of the Wolf to Switzerland.