Breed Standards

Why Standards Matter

VBISBAR’s requirements are intentionally thorough. Accurate pedigrees, DNA verification, responsible use of approved genetics, complete documentation, natural show presentation, and careful evaluation against the Swiss breed standard all serve one purpose: protecting the Valais Blacknose breed for future generations.

By maintaining a meaningful distinction between recorded breed-up animals and fully registered sheep—and by requiring sheep to be shown and evaluated in their natural, unfitted fleece—VBISBAR supports informed breeding decisions and promotes honesty, consistency, and confidence throughout the Valais Blacknose community.

Our Commitment to Registration Integrity

VBISBAR maintains rigorous requirements for both breed-up and purebred registrations. Sheep are not automatically granted full registration based solely on their percentage of Valais Blacknose genetics. Every animal submitted for registration must satisfy the applicable pedigree, DNA, documentation, generation, and breed-standard requirements.

Animals that do not yet qualify for full registration may remain recorded at their verified breed-up percentage. This distinction between recordation and full registration helps protect the credibility of the registry and provides breeders and buyers with greater confidence in VBISBAR pedigrees.

Membership Eligibility

VBISBAR welcomes breeders, flock owners, participants in the Breed Up Program, and enthusiasts who share an interest in the Valais Blacknose breed. Membership categories include:

Active Membership: For adults who own, breed, or register Valais Blacknose sheep, or who are participating in the Breed Up Program.

Associate Membership: For individuals, families, businesses, groups, and other supporters who admire the breed and wish to participate in VBISBAR activities.

Junior Membership: For individuals under 18 who own, breed, or manage Valais Blacknose sheep. Junior members receive many of the privileges and responsibilities of Active Membership but do not have voting privileges.

Lifetime Membership: Available through a one-time payment as specified on the current membership application.

Honorary Membership: Conferred by the VBISBAR Board of Directors.

Members agree to abide by the VBISBAR Code of Ethics and are expected to provide honest, accurate information in all registry submissions. Membership must remain in good standing for a breeder to participate in the registry and Breed Up Program.

Requirements for Recording and Registering Sheep

To participate in the VBISBAR registry, the following requirements apply:

Current membership is required.

The breeder or applicant must be a VBISBAR member in good standing, and all required applications, work orders, and fees must be submitted.

Foundation ewes must be declared and recorded.

Foundation ewes may be purebred, crossbred, or grade wool sheep. Each foundation ewe is assigned a Valais Blacknose genetic value of 0% and receives a VBISBAR number. Available pedigree or prior registration information should be provided.

DNA verification is required.

Foundation ewes and their offspring must be DNA tested through the registry. Wethers are the exception and do not require DNA certification for recordation.

Only approved purebred Valais Blacknose genetics may be used.

The Breed Up Program requires purebred Valais Blacknose semen or an eligible imported purebred ram. Crossbred rams may not be used for breeding.

Every generation must be properly recorded.

Breed-up animals must be recorded from the foundation generation forward, with the required pedigree, identification, DNA information, and supporting documentation.

Breed-up percentages are documented by generation.

F1 — 50% Valais Blacknose

F2 — 75% Valais Blacknose

F3 — 87.5% Valais Blacknose

F4 — 93.75% Valais Blacknose

F5 — 96.875% Valais Blacknose

F4 ewes may apply for Domestic Purebred registration.

An F4 ewe may be submitted for full registration with a series of photographs demonstrating compliance with the VBISBAR breed standard. Registration remains subject to review and approval.

F5 rams may apply for Domestic Purebred registration.

An F5 ram may be submitted for full registration with photographs demonstrating compliance with the breed standard. Crossbred rams from earlier generations are not eligible for breeding or full registration.

Embryo-derived purebred sheep require supporting documentation.

Applications for 100% Valais Blacknose rams and ewes produced from embryos must include individual photographs, pedigree documentation, and information identifying the source and purchase of the embryos. These animals are reviewed before approval.

Artificial insemination must be documented.

When an animal is conceived through artificial insemination, a completed AI Declaration signed by the veterinarian or technician must accompany the registration or recordation application.

Meeting the breed percentage is not enough.

Domestic Purebred and 100% Purebred animals must also meet the recognized Swiss Valais Blacknose breed standards and receive the required approval before full registration is granted.