If you've ever scrolled past a photo of a sheep that looked like a stuffed animal come to life, there's a good chance it was a Valais Blacknose. With their black faces, fluffy white wool and sweet expressions, these sheep stop people in their tracks. They're one of the 14 species here at Eagle Eye Farm, and they're always a highlight for visitors.
Straight from the Swiss Alps
Valais Blacknose sheep come from the Valais region of Switzerland, high in the Swiss Alps. They've been raised there for centuries and are built for mountain life. They're sturdy, hardy and well suited to cold weather, which makes them a great fit for a Wisconsin farm. When the snow flies, they don't mind one bit.
That famous look
So what makes them so recognizable? It's all in the details.
- Black nose and face: The breed's signature feature, and where the name comes from.
- Black ears: Floppy, soft and perfectly matched to the face.
- Black knees and feet: Look closely and you'll see black patches on their knees and around their hooves, like they're wearing little socks.
- Spiral horns: Both rams and ewes in this breed grow horns that curl as they get older.
- Long, curly wool: Their white wool grows thick and shaggy, which gives them that cuddly, teddy-bear look.
Gentle personalities
Valais Blacknose sheep are known for being calm and friendly, which is part of why people love them so much. Like most sheep, they feel safest with their flock and prefer slow, quiet movements. If you stand calmly and let them come to you, you'll often get a curious sniff or two.
Sheep and alpacas: what's the difference?
We get this question a lot, since both grow fiber that can be turned into yarn. A few quick differences:
- Family: Sheep are in a totally different animal family from alpacas, which are camelids.
- Feet: Sheep have hooves. Alpacas have soft, padded feet.
- Fiber: Sheep's wool contains lanolin, a natural oil. Alpaca fiber doesn't.
Tips for meeting our sheep
- Move slowly: Sheep are prey animals, so calm is key.
- Use a flat hand: If feeding is part of your visit, keep your hand flat so fingers stay safe.
- No grabbing wool or horns: A gentle scratch is much more welcome.
- Listen to our staff: They know every animal and will help you have the best experience.
Come say hello
Photos are cute, but nothing beats seeing these fluffy faces in person. Our Valais Blacknose sheep are waiting to meet you, along with more than 130 other animals. Check our website for current tours and plan your visit. We think you'll agree they're some of the cutest sheep in the world.
