These sheep were grazing in the pastures alongside Carsington Water. I think the breed is a Jacob.
Apart from being uncommonly attractive, Jacob sheep have a number of attributes which make them good livestock. They are hardy, overwintering outside and being resistant to many of the diseases which commonly afflict sheep; they are prolific breeders with a high lamb survival rate and good mothering instincts and they also produce high quality wool which is excellent for spinning and weaving.
Personally, I just want to pick one up and cuddle it!
The are gorgeous, aren't they? I think that Kathy from the blog Spot on Cedar Pond raises these sheep, shears them, spins the yarn and weaves her own rugs and throws!
ReplyDeleteThey are sweet! I love their black and white spotted wool coats.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteAt first I thought they were small cows. It would be nice to go and cuddle them. Thanks for the visit and sharing your pictures. :-)
Anne-Marie
Yes, they do look rather woolly and cudddly - I love to see rare breeds of sheep in the fields. Thanks for your comment - looking forward to your photos and report next week - it is a very small world sometimes, isn't it?:)
ReplyDeleteYes, a very nice flock of Jacob Sheep! I have a flock of "spotty sheep" and have had these sheep for at least 20 years now. The breed came to the U.S. in the late 1960's & 1970's from the U.K. where they have been documented for over 200 years.As you stated, they are very hardy, and easy keepers. I spin up the wool of my sheep and make rugs, table-runners, etc. from it. But I keep the sheep because I love the breed.My sheep have from 2 to 6 horns, another common trait that makes this breed unique.
ReplyDeleteThank-you for looking me up via Pondside.You have a lovely blog!
AWWW. They ARE pretty darn cute.
ReplyDeleteDisease resistant is a great thing in sheep. In large part because they follow the leader even when the leader eats poisonous berries. They're cute but dumber'n a brick. Kinda like a lot of models and actresses today.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, they do look cute and cuddly!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for stopping by! I truly appreciate your kind comments regarding my dad's heart surgeries. What a wonderful world of bloggers! It always warms my heart to find such support...so happy to be part of the blogging community...meeting so many great people from around the world.
Blessings & Aloha!