- This is the cutest sheep in the world – and we can’t argue with that.
- This is the Valais Blacknose Sheep.
- It seems like world domination for being the cutest sheep on Earth!
- They also grow horns, but don’t worry – they are harmless.
- They are a docile breed, too, which makes them cuter!
- Just look at that smile!
- This breed is worthy of being shown around the world.
- All good for these happy bunch!
- But here’s the sad truth about them:
- However, their lives are still at stake.
- These cuties don’t deserve that at all!
This is the cutest sheep in the world – and we can’t argue with that.
This is the Valais Blacknose Sheep.
They’ve been spreading their cuteness in the world since the 14th century but were only recognized as a separate sheep breed in 1962. They were only initially found in the Valais region in Switzerland. In 2004, the United Kingdom started importing embryos of purebred Valais Blacknose Sheep to countries like New Zealand.
It seems like world domination for being the cutest sheep on Earth!
This breed is known as the cutest sheep globally because – well – just look at those faces! They have black noses (where they go their names from) with the black color extending to their eyes, ears, and some parts of their face. They also have black spots and marks on their knees and hocks.
They also grow horns, but don’t worry – they are harmless.
A ram’s horn grows spiraling down and is heavier than ewes, with their lighter horns growing upwards. This makes them look more adorable! (Not intimidating at all!)
The rams can weigh from 80 to 130 kilogram,s while the ewes are just around 70 to 90 grams. Rams also grow up to 83 centimeters in height, while ewes grow up to 78 centimeters.
They are a docile breed, too, which makes them cuter!
Their friendly disposition makes them a popular pet compared to other breeds. They can be petted and hugged, and you won’t be afraid of being harmed.
Just look at that smile!
This breed is worthy of being shown around the world.
True enough, the Swiss hold shows and give awards all year round. The most prestigious ones are Miss Visp every February and Widdermarkt every March.
Miss Visp is for the beautiful ewes.
Owners parade their female Valais Blacknose around wearing the traditional copper bells. They are graded using the Swiss system, and the sheep that gets the most points after the two-day event is award the champion bell.
On the other hand, Widdermarkt is for rams.
This is only a one-day event. The scoring system is the same as Miss Visp, but there’s no declared champion of some sort. However, they are given an award.
All good for these happy bunch!
They have a life span between 10 to 20 years. It is a good span if you want to keep them as pets and bask into these cuddly and cute beings.
But here’s the sad truth about them:
They almost went extinct twice, and that’s because of human activity. The first one was in 1884 when the authorities started to crossbreed them with the Australian Southdown sheep in their attempt to improve its meat and wool output. The second one was in the 1930s during the tuberculosis and brucellosis epidemic among the Blacknose breed.
However, their lives are still at stake.
Since they lamb easily and can reproduce and grow each year rapidly, they are often slaughtered for their meat and their wool for carpets in Switzerland.
These cuties don’t deserve that at all!
But there’s still hope because, in other parts of the world, especially in New Zealand, they are grown and bred as pets.
