Jacob Sheep: Characteristics & Best 23 Facts

The Jacob sheep is a breed of domestic sheep from Middle East. Exact origins of this breed is still unclear, but it is certainly a very old breed.

It has probably descended from an ancient Old World sheep breed. Sheep with spots have been described in many cultures throughout history, appearing in works of art from the Far East, Meddle East and Mediterranean regions.

They were documented in England by the 1600s and were widespread by the mid-1700s.

The Jacob sheep is actually a piedbald and multi-horned (polycerete) animal. It is also known by some other names such as Many-horned sheep, Piebald sheep and Spanish sheep.

And the breed is named for the Biblical figure of Jacob. It became popular in England as ornamental, or ‘park’ sheep. During the beginning of the mid-1900s, this breed was first imported into North America.

And most of the today’s population descends from imports of the past 30 years.

The Jacob sheep was very popular among the small flock holders as well as hand spinners and weavers.

The North American sheep breeders have selected this breed primarily for fleece characteristics, and the conformation of the sheep has remained very much like it’s historical description.

However, today the breed is pretty rare, and The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy has listed the North American population of Jacob sheep as a conservation priority.

But the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) in the United Kingdom, do not consider the Jacob as being at risk as there are more than 3,000 registered breeding ewes available.

Today, there are many breed registries for this breed, whose only focus in the Jacob sheep. Two notable registries are; the Jacob Sheep Breeders Association, and the American Jacob Sheep Registry. However, read some more information about this breed below.

Jacob Sheep Characteristics

The Jacob sheep are a medium-sized, piebald and multi-horned sheep that resembles a goat in it’s conformation. They may have from 2 to 6 horns, but most commonly have four.

However, the Jacob sheep is not the only breed that can produce polycerate or piebald offspring.

Other piebald sheep breeds include the Finnsheep and the West African Dwarf, and other polycerate sheep breeds include the Manx Loaghtan, Navajo-Churro, Hebridean and Icelandic sheep.

Common coloration of the Jacob sheep is black and white. They have long body frame, with a straight back and a rump that slopes toward the base of the tail.

The ewes have small udders free of wool that are held closer to the body than those of the modern sheep breeds. While the rams have short scrotums, which are free of wool and hold the testicles closer to the body than those of other modern breeds.

Head of the Jacob sheep is slender and triangular. And the head is clear of wool forward of the horns and on the cheeks.

Tail of these animals is long and woolly, extending almost to the hock if it has not been docked. Their legs are of medium-length, slender, preferably white in color with or without colored patches and the legs are free of wool below the knees.

As a medium-sized animal, average live body weight of the mature Jacob ewes is between 36 and 54 kg. And live body weight of the mature rams vary from 54 to 82 kg. Photo and info from Wikipedia.

Uses

The Jacob sheep are multi-purpose animals. They are generally raised for their meat, wool and hides. But they are also raised as pets or kept for ornamental purpose.

Special Notes

The Jacob sheep are very hardy and strong animals with docile temperament. They are multi-purpose animals and used for many different purposes. They produce good quality meat and a medium quality fleece.

Their fleece is light and open with a staple length of 4-6 inches. Quality of the fleece has been a major selection factor in the recent history of the Jacob sheep breed, unlike most other medium wool sheep breeds.

The Jacob ewes are excellent mothers, and they bear 1 or 2 lambs in the spring only. The lambing is usually very easy for them. Along with raising for meat, wool and hides, the breed is also very good for raising as pets or for ornamental purpose.

They also have been used as a guard animal for protecting farm and property from theft or vandalism and defend other livestock against predators.

Along with being very hardy, the Jacob sheep are also low-maintenance animals. They are strong animals with a naturally high resistance to parasites and hoof problems.

But these animals do not show much flocking behavior. They will require shelter from extreme temperatures. Although, open and simple shelter will be good for them.

They are excellent foragers, and they can secure adequate nutrition with minimal to no supplementation (even in the presence of suboptimal soil conditions. However, review full breed profile of the Jacob sheep in the following chart.

Breed Name	Jacob
Other Name	Also known by some other names such as Many-horned sheep, Piebald sheep and Spanish sheep.
Breed Purpose	Meat, wool, hides, pets, ornamental
Special Notes	Very hardy and strong animals,docile temperament, multi-purpose animals, good for meat production, good for wool, good for hides, good for raising as pets, good for ornamental purpose, good for raising as guard animals, ewes are good mothers and they have little or no lambing problems, low-maintenance animals, resistance to parasites and hoof problems, can tolerate extreme temperatures
Breed Size	Medium
Weight	Rams weight between 54 and 82 kg, and mature ewes body weight vary from 36 to 54 kg
Horns	Yes
Climate Tolerance	Different climates
Color	Black and white
Rarity	Common
Country/Place of Origin	Middle East

Jacob Sheep Facts

Here are some of the best interesting facts about Jacob Sheep:

1. Jacob Sheep are named after the biblical character Jacob, who bred spotted and speckled sheep in the book of Genesis.
2. They are believed to be one of the oldest sheep breeds in the world, with a history dating back over 4,000 years.
3. Jacob Sheep are a medium-sized breed, with rams weighing between 120-180 pounds and ewes weighing between 80-120 pounds.
4. They are known for their distinctive, four-horned appearance. Both males and females can have horns, with males typically having larger and more curved horns.
5. The wool from Jacob Sheep is prized for its high quality and unique coloring. It is usually a blend of white, black, and gray fibers.
6. Jacob Sheep are considered a “heritage breed,” meaning they are an important part of the cultural history of a region or country.
7. They are often used in conservation programs to preserve rare and endangered breeds of livestock.
8. Jacob Sheep are hardy and adaptable, able to thrive in a variety of environments and climates.
9. They are generally docile and friendly animals, and can be trained to lead and interact with humans.
10. Jacob Sheep have a unique breeding pattern known as “polycerate,” which means they can have up to six horns instead of the typical two.
11. They are a long-lived breed, with some individuals living up to 14 years.
12. Jacob Sheep are known for their excellent mothering abilities, and are often used as surrogate mothers for orphaned lambs.
13. The meat from Jacob Sheep is lean and flavorful, with a distinctive taste that is prized by many gourmet chefs.
14. Jacob Sheep are highly social animals and thrive in flocks, with both males and females forming strong bonds with each other.
15. They are excellent climbers and can easily navigate steep terrain and rocky landscapes.
16. Jacob Sheep have a strong flocking instinct, which means they are highly attuned to the movements and behavior of other members of their flock.
17. They are known for their intelligence and ability to problem-solve, making them popular subjects for animal behavior studies.
18. Jacob Sheep have a calm and gentle temperament, and are often used in therapy programs for people with disabilities or mental health issues.
19. They are able to adapt to a variety of diets and are not picky eaters, making them relatively easy to care for.
20. Jacob Sheep are often used in cross-breeding programs to produce hybrid breeds with unique coloring and characteristics.
21. They are highly valued by fiber artists and spinners for their wool, which can be used to create a variety of textiles and yarns.
22. Jacob Sheep are considered a “dual-purpose” breed, meaning they are raised for both their meat and wool.
23. They have a loyal and dedicated fanbase among farmers, livestock enthusiasts, and animal lovers around the world.

Tips for Raising Jacob Sheep

If you’re thinking about raising Jacob Sheep, here are 23 tips to help you get started:

1. Start with healthy, high-quality breeding stock. Look for reputable breeders who can provide you with healthy, registered animals that are free of genetic defects.
2. Provide ample space for your sheep to roam. Jacob Sheep are active and curious animals that need room to graze and explore. A pasture of at least one acre per sheep is recommended.
3. Build sturdy, predator-proof fencing. Jacob Sheep are vulnerable to predators such as coyotes, wolves, and foxes, so it’s important to build a fence that can keep them safe.
4. Provide ample shelter. Your sheep will need a shelter to protect them from the elements, such as wind, rain, and extreme heat or cold.
5. Ensure access to fresh, clean water. Your sheep will need a constant supply of fresh, clean water to stay healthy and hydrated.
6. Provide high-quality hay and forage. Jacob Sheep are herbivores that thrive on a diet of high-quality hay and forage. Make sure to provide a variety of grasses and legumes to ensure a balanced diet.
7. Supplement with grain if necessary. If your pasture or hay is low in nutrients, you may need to supplement your sheep’s diet with grain. Consult with a veterinarian or nutritionist to determine the appropriate amount and type of grain to feed.
8. Monitor your sheep’s weight and body condition. Keep track of your sheep’s weight and body condition to ensure they are healthy and not over or underweight.
9. Keep your sheep’s hooves trimmed. Regular hoof trimming is important to prevent lameness and other foot-related issues.
10. Provide regular veterinary care. Regular veterinary care, including vaccinations and parasite control, is crucial to keeping your sheep healthy.
11. Practice good biosecurity. Prevent the spread of disease by practicing good biosecurity, such as quarantining new animals, cleaning and disinfecting equipment, and limiting visitor access.
12. Practice good hygiene. Keep your sheep’s living area clean and dry to prevent the spread of disease and parasites.
13. Use natural and organic pest control methods. Avoid using harsh chemicals and pesticides on your sheep and pasture, and instead use natural methods such as beneficial insects and companion planting.
14. Provide enrichment activities. Keep your sheep stimulated and engaged by providing them with toys, puzzles, and other enrichment activities.
15. Practice humane handling and restraint. Handle your sheep gently and use humane restraint methods to minimize stress and prevent injury.
16. Monitor for signs of illness or injury. Keep a close eye on your sheep for any signs of illness or injury, such as lameness, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
17. Maintain good records. Keep detailed records of your sheep’s health, breeding, and other important information to help you make informed management decisions.
18. Consider joining a breed association or club. Joining a breed association or club can provide you with valuable resources and support, as well as opportunities to connect with other breeders and enthusiasts.
19. Attend educational events and workshops. Attend educational events and workshops to learn more about sheep husbandry, breeding, and other related topics.
20. Consider marketing your sheep’s products. If you’re breeding for wool or meat, consider marketing your sheep’s products to local markets, restaurants, or fiber artists.
21. Be prepared for lambing season. Prepare for lambing season by providing a clean and comfortable birthing area, and having supplies on hand for any emergencies.
22. Practice responsible breeding. If you’re breeding Jacob Sheep, practice responsible breeding by only breeding healthy, high-quality animals and avoiding inbreeding.
23. Take the time to enjoy your sheep. Raising Jacob Sheep can be a lot of work, but it’s also a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Take the time to appreciate and enjoy your sheep, and the unique relationship you’ll develop with these fascinating animals.