Show, Judging, and Grading

Show, Judging, and Grading Presentation

To be shown, judged, or graded under the Swiss breed standards, Valais Blacknose sheep must be presented in full, natural wool. Fitting, sculpting, shaping, trimming, or otherwise altering the fleece to enhance the animal’s appearance is not acceptable.

The natural fleece is an essential breed characteristic and must remain intact so judges and graders can accurately evaluate the animal’s wool quality, balance, structure, coverage, and overall conformity to the Swiss standard. Presenting sheep in full, unfitted wool protects the integrity of the evaluation process and ensures that every animal is assessed fairly and authentically.

Ram-Grading Exclusion Criteria

Because rams have an especially significant influence on future generations, VBISBAR applies careful scrutiny when evaluating breeding males. Reasons for exclusion may include:

• Short or uneven jaw.

• Overbite, underbite, or improper contact between the incisors and dental pad.

• Weak or fallen pasterns.

• Stunted growth.

• Only one descended testicle.

• Scrotal hernia.

• Black body or tail spots.

• Missing essential knee, hock, or head markings.

• Serious fleece defects, including kemp, tender fibers, excessive guard hair, or mixed-colored wool.