At Valais Blacknose Yarra Valley, nestled along the banks of the Yarra River amongst the hills of the Yarra Valley, we raise the ‘World's Cutest Sheep’, the Valais Blacknose,. We breed a small, select number of sheep each year, from only the best quality Valais Blacknose sheep available in Australia. As a boutique stud, we pride ourselves on being able to provide individual care and attention that each of these magnificent animals desire and deserve. We aim to assist others with their own Valais Blacknose journey, whether it be to add to an existing flock, to start breeding, or to just enjoy our Purebred or bred-up Valais Blacknose sheep. We invest time in not only breeding and raising our sheep, but also in knowing and supporting our customers, so that our beautiful sheep will find homes where they will flourish and provide endless hours of enjoyment to their new owners.
The Valais Blacknose sheep owe their name to their striking and unmistakable appearance. Their magnificent jet black roman noses and black connecting around their eyes, black wool on their ears, knees, hocks and socks, highlight their visual appeal; with the ewes benefiting from some extra ‘bling’, in the form of a black patch, just underneath their tails . Their white wool is also an important feature, covering their body, head and legs evenly, in long, glorious curls. Their horns grow outwards in a spiral, with the spectacular horns of the rams, creating a noble and majestic appearance. It is no wonder they have been dubbed, ‘The World’s Cutest Sheep’!
The Valais Blacknose, is an ancient breed of sheep, originating from the upper Valais Canton of Switzerland, located in the same region as the spectacular Matterhorn mountain. They are a hardy breed of sheep, originally bred for their meat and wool, however with their adorable appearance and affectionate natures, they are now being sought after as delightful, paddock based, companion pets. With fewer than 17,500 sheep listed in the herd books around the world, the Valais Blacknose sheep is considered a ‘rare breed’, however in recent years, as the breed was exported to Europe, UK and USA, it became possible for the first Valais Blacknose genetics to be imported into Australia and the first Purebreds were born here in 2021.
This amazing achievement has not come easily or without significant investment. Given Australia’s strict biosecurity laws, the importation of the genetics and breeding up of live Valais , has been a lengthy and extremely costly exercise, resulting in the few Valais Blacknose sheep sold, commanding premium prices when compared to other sheep breeds. Our sheep, at Valais Blacknose Yarra Valley, are bred with careful consideration for genetic diversity and to ensure they are bearers of a legacy, representing the continuation and preservation of the endangered Valais Blacknose breed, here in Australia.
We believe our sheep at Valais Blacknose Yarra Valley are an investment for the future. Looking after Valais Blacknose sheep is an absolute pleasure. They are easy to handle, do not bite, kick or spit and they love nothing more than a good chest rub and a cuddle. Like all animals however, they do require your commitment to care for them accordingly, including for example: annual vaccinations, shearing, appropriate feed and a secure paddock with shelter.
For those with rural properties or farms, our Valais Blacknose sheep are the perfect addition to your family, bringing a sense of peace, play and a lot of heart to your paddock. With their curious natures, kind personality, calm temperament and their real desire to be around people, they aren’t just sheep; they are part of our family. With everyone who meets them instantly falling in love, it’s not a surprise that the Swiss say: "Make friends with a Valais and you have a friend for life”.
If you’re interested in learning more, or meeting our premium Valais Blacknose sheep at Valais Blacknose Yarra Valley, please contact us at kim@valaisblacknoseyv.com.au or call us on 0418372260.
