HISTORY
The specific origins of Jacob sheep are not known for certain, but history suggests that these spotted sheep may have originated about 3,000 years ago in what is now the country of Syria in Western Asia. It is quite possible that they are direct descendants of the flock that Jacob was given by his father-in-law according to the Bible in the book of Genesis, Chapter 30.
The specific origins of Jacob sheep are not known for certain, but history suggests that these spotted sheep may have originated about 3,000 years ago in what is now the country of Syria in Western Asia. It is quite possible that they are direct descendants of the flock that Jacob was given by his father-in-law according to the Bible in the book of Genesis, Chapter 30.
Jacob sheep were brought into North America near the mid-1900s. In North America, most Jacob sheep tend to be selected for their fleece quality, whereas in Britain, selection has moved to that which will produce more meat commercially. This is why in North America, Jacobs have maintained a more primitive build, while in the U.K., Jacobs have become longer and taller.
THREATENED BREED STATUS
Jacob sheep are currently listed as a "Threatened" breed with The Livestock Conservancy. This means that there are less than 1,000 animals registered each year in the U.S. and that there are estimated to be less than 5,000 registered Jacob sheep worldwide.
APPEARANCE
The most noticeable traits of Jacob sheep are their horns and their spots.
Jacob sheep are "polycerate", meaning they can have multiple horns--in both the rams (males) and the ewes (females). Two and four horns are common and six horns have occurred--even on ewes.
This breed is still very primitive as it has not undergone a great deal of change through selective breeding and/or crossing with other breeds. Jacobs have a smaller build with more slender bodies than those of most commercially-raised breeds. Ewes weigh 80-120 pounds and rams weigh 120-180 pounds. Jacob meat is very lean and tends to have a milder flavor than typical mutton or lamb dishes.
Jacobs have a more rounded rump than other breeds which is a significant factor in easier birthing. Jacob ewes typically produce twins--even as first time mothers--with no trouble. Triplets are not uncommon and still carry full-term and reach maximum birth weight.
WOOL
The Jacob "fleece" (wool) is highly appreciated by wool spinners because it has a medium-fine consistency with no outer coat, as is common in other primitive breeds. The fleece is soft and has much less lanolin than many other breeds. Many spinners utilize what is called "raw" wool. Raw wool has not been washed or "carded" (combed out smooth) and is often easier to spin because the minimal coating of lanolin helps to hold the fibers together better during the spinning process. In raw wool spinning, the washing is done after the wool is spun into yarn or even after a garment has been produced. Jacob fleece also works wonderfully for felting crafts. The 2 recognized colors of the Jacob's patches are black and lilac. Combining the varying shades of black and lilac, including the shades that occur due to sun exposure, produces a beautiful range of colors. Like other wool, white Jacob fleece can also be dyed any color the crafter desires. Jacobs are typically shorn only once each year.
TEMPERAMENT
The Jacob breed tends to be more docile than many other breeds by nature--even adult rams tend to be more calm and agreeable, although some rams can still become quite aggressive at times. A ewe or a wether is a safer animal for a beginner, a young shepherd, or a mobility-restricted shepherd to start with. Although Jacobs are very self-maintaining, as with all animals, they do require a certain amount of routine care. It is always best to talk with several different sources before purchasing your first animals to ensure that you are buying well-tempered stock so that their care will be easy on you as well as them.
ADAPTABILITY
Jacob sheep are very hardy, adapting more easily to colder climates than some other breeds. It is always imperative that shelter from heat be provided as well as shelter from extreme cold. Because they are still more primitive, the Jacob sheep also adapts well in areas where forage is sparse. They typically require only a good quality forage (and a supplement of hay when the pasture has dried up or is snowed over). Mineral and other supplements are provided as needed when in captivity--keeping a supply of minerals available at all times is simplest as the sheep will naturally consume what they need. Jacobs do very well on rocky mountainsides and at higher elevations. They are naturally more resistant to parasites and hoof infections which are two of the most common struggles many sheep owners face.
Sources:
Jacob Sheep Breeders' Association
The Livestock Conservancy
Jacob sheep are currently listed as a "Threatened" breed with The Livestock Conservancy. This means that there are less than 1,000 animals registered each year in the U.S. and that there are estimated to be less than 5,000 registered Jacob sheep worldwide.
APPEARANCE
The most noticeable traits of Jacob sheep are their horns and their spots.
Jacob sheep are "polycerate", meaning they can have multiple horns--in both the rams (males) and the ewes (females). Two and four horns are common and six horns have occurred--even on ewes.
This breed is still very primitive as it has not undergone a great deal of change through selective breeding and/or crossing with other breeds. Jacobs have a smaller build with more slender bodies than those of most commercially-raised breeds. Ewes weigh 80-120 pounds and rams weigh 120-180 pounds. Jacob meat is very lean and tends to have a milder flavor than typical mutton or lamb dishes.
Jacobs have a more rounded rump than other breeds which is a significant factor in easier birthing. Jacob ewes typically produce twins--even as first time mothers--with no trouble. Triplets are not uncommon and still carry full-term and reach maximum birth weight.
WOOL
The Jacob "fleece" (wool) is highly appreciated by wool spinners because it has a medium-fine consistency with no outer coat, as is common in other primitive breeds. The fleece is soft and has much less lanolin than many other breeds. Many spinners utilize what is called "raw" wool. Raw wool has not been washed or "carded" (combed out smooth) and is often easier to spin because the minimal coating of lanolin helps to hold the fibers together better during the spinning process. In raw wool spinning, the washing is done after the wool is spun into yarn or even after a garment has been produced. Jacob fleece also works wonderfully for felting crafts. The 2 recognized colors of the Jacob's patches are black and lilac. Combining the varying shades of black and lilac, including the shades that occur due to sun exposure, produces a beautiful range of colors. Like other wool, white Jacob fleece can also be dyed any color the crafter desires. Jacobs are typically shorn only once each year.
TEMPERAMENT
The Jacob breed tends to be more docile than many other breeds by nature--even adult rams tend to be more calm and agreeable, although some rams can still become quite aggressive at times. A ewe or a wether is a safer animal for a beginner, a young shepherd, or a mobility-restricted shepherd to start with. Although Jacobs are very self-maintaining, as with all animals, they do require a certain amount of routine care. It is always best to talk with several different sources before purchasing your first animals to ensure that you are buying well-tempered stock so that their care will be easy on you as well as them.
ADAPTABILITY
Jacob sheep are very hardy, adapting more easily to colder climates than some other breeds. It is always imperative that shelter from heat be provided as well as shelter from extreme cold. Because they are still more primitive, the Jacob sheep also adapts well in areas where forage is sparse. They typically require only a good quality forage (and a supplement of hay when the pasture has dried up or is snowed over). Mineral and other supplements are provided as needed when in captivity--keeping a supply of minerals available at all times is simplest as the sheep will naturally consume what they need. Jacobs do very well on rocky mountainsides and at higher elevations. They are naturally more resistant to parasites and hoof infections which are two of the most common struggles many sheep owners face.
Sources:
Jacob Sheep Breeders' Association
The Livestock Conservancy