Breed-Standard Checklist

VBISBAR Breed-Standard Checklist

Animals submitted for full registration are evaluated for the defining characteristics of the Valais Blacknose breed.

Color and Markings

• Black nose extending to the center of the head.

• Black surrounding the eyes and connecting directly with the black of the nose, with no white gap.

• Black ears, with the black meeting the white wool of the head.

• Black hooves and ankle areas, creating the characteristic “black socks.”

• Black markings on the knees and hocks; these markings do not have to be perfectly symmetrical.

• Ewes should have a black tail spot separated by a finger-width band of white.

• Rams must not have a black tail spot.

• A ram’s scrotum may be black, but the black must not extend upward into the belly or fleece.

• Black spots on the main body are considered a serious marking fault.

• Reverse-marked “Spitti” rams should be castrated and must not be used for breeding.

A ewe missing an individual marking, such as a knee spot, may receive a point deduction depending upon her overall conformation and wool.

Head and Neck

• Well-proportioned, compact head.

• Roman nose, wide mouth, and broad forehead.

• Pronounced, regal head shape in rams.

• Short, straight, well-muscled neck.

Horns

• Both males and females should have horns.

• Horns should spiral outward horizontally from the head and remain safely clear of the cheeks.

• There should be sufficient room to place a flat hand comfortably between the horn and cheek.

• Black striping in the horns is acceptable.

Body and Structure

• Wide, deep chest.

• Shoulders that flow naturally into the neck and chest.

• Wide, well-spaced withers.

• Rounded and well-proportioned rib cage.

• Long, straight topline.

• Wide back and loin.

• Wide, medium-length pelvis.

• Well-muscled hindquarters.

• Solid, substantial bone structure.

Mature Size

For sheep two years of age and older, the preferred ranges are:

• Ewes: 72–78 centimeters at the withers and 70–90 kilograms.

• Rams: 75–83 centimeters at the withers and 80–125 kilograms.

Legs, Feet, and Movement

• Strong, sure-footed limbs.

• Straight and sound joints.

• Short, strong pasterns with approximately a 45-degree angle.

• Solid hoof placement.

• No bow-legged or knock-kneed conformation.

• Slight, correct angulation through the hocks.

• Wide, stable, even movement.

• Free and easy mobility without swaying or wavering.

Wool

• Uniformly white, balanced fleece covering the entire body.

• Thick, full wool on the legs.

• Natural, long wool on the head.

• Approximately 10 centimeters of staple length after six months of growth.

• Fleece that is soft in lambs and becomes coarser as the animal matures.

• Some black fibers may be tolerated in the neck area of females.

• Fleece should be free from serious faults such as excessive guard hair, kemp, tender or weak fibers, and undesirable mixed coloring.