Jacob Sheep

Looks how to spot one

Fleece (wool)

The Jacob has a medium-fine, open fleece that parts easily, with a staple length of 3 to 7 inches and a weight of 3 to 6 pounds. It lacks an outer coat, making it a delight for handspinners. The wool can be spun into a range of natural colours from white through grey and lilac to black.31

Personality what they are like

Jacobs are generally good-tempered and can become tame and friendly with daily handling, though they can be skittish if not used to people. They are smart and do not show strong flocking behaviour, so they may need a bit more individual attention.24

Daily activity how busy a day looks

They need regular access to grazing pasture and benefit from being moved between paddocks to allow grass to rest. They prefer grass that is 2-3 inches high. Overstocking should be avoided to keep the pasture healthy.5

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Shearing is needed once a year to harvest the fleece. Hooves should be checked and trimmed as needed, though Jacobs are less prone to foot problems than many breeds. Fresh, clean water must always be available in a trough wide enough for horned sheep to drink comfortably.54

Home where they are happiest

They require shelter from extreme temperatures, but it can be open and simple. Secure fencing (sheep netting) is essential as they will explore escape holes. Grazing should be divided into paddocks to allow rest periods. Hay should be fed in racks, not on the ground, and hay nets must be avoided because horns can become entangled.52

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Primarily grass from good pasture. In autumn, when grass stops growing, feed sweet, soft meadow hay. Supplementary corn feeding is only needed in the last six weeks before lambing, starting with a quarter to half a pound per head and gradually increasing. They are excellent foragers and need minimal supplementation even on suboptimal soil.52

Company who they like around

Sheep are herd animals and should not be kept alone. Jacobs do not show strong flocking behaviour, but they still need the company of other sheep. With daily handling they become tame and make good pets. They are not known to be aggressive.24

The story where it all began

The Jacob sheep is a very ancient breed, with origins thought to lie in Syria around 3,000 years ago. Piebald sheep moved through North Africa, Sicily and Spain before reaching England, possibly as early as the mid-18th century when a black-and-white ram and ewes were shipped from Portugal to Charlecote Park in Warwickshire. For centuries they were kept as ornamental 'park sheep' on large estates, valued for their striking spotted fleece and multiple horns. They were imported to North America in the early 1900s for game parks and zoos, with further imports in the 1950s and 1960s. Today they are bred for wool, meat and skins, and are popular with smallholders and hobby keepers for their hardiness, easy lambing and friendly nature.142

Recognised by the official bits

Jacob Sheep Society (UK)

Maintains the breed standard for Jacob Sheep in the United Kingdom.2

Jacob Sheep Breeders Association (JSBA)

Maintains the breed registry and standard for Jacob Sheep in North America.1

Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST)

Listed as Category 6 (Other UK Native Breeds) in 2017, meaning more than 3,000 breeding females are registered.2