Jacob Sheep
Basic Information:
Scientific Name: Ovis aries
Habitat: Since Jacob Sheep are a domesticated breed, they are typically found on farms.
Diet: Jacob sheep typically feed on grains, alfalfa, and vegetables.
Size: 3.5 to 4 feet tall / 3.8 to 4.2 feet long
Weight: 80 to 180 pounds
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Distribution Map:
I.U.C.N. Distribution Status:
What does this mean?
Least Concern – a species determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (I.U.C.N.) to be pervasive, abundant, and thriving.
Our Jacob Sheep:
Millie (Female) – Born March 14, 2020
Mabel (Female) – Born March 14, 2020
About Jacob Sheep:
Jacob Sheep is a domestic breed of sheep found in the United Kingdom. They are distinguished by their wool’s unique color pattern and multiple horns. As for the former, they have black wool with white patches. As for the latter, both male and female Jacob sheep have horns. They can have anywhere from 2 to 6 of them with males typically having larger horns. As a domestic breed, they are known for being very easygoing and simple to take care of since they are so resilient and docile. While Jacob Sheep were originally used to decorate the yards and gardens of large estates, today Jacob Sheep are primarily for wool and meat.
Did You Know?!
- Jacob Sheep Rams can have horns as long as 30 inches or more.
- The name Jacob Sheep is in reference to the Bible (Genesis 30) when it states that when Jacob moved from Mesopotamia to Egypt he brought with him a flock of spotted sheep. Since the Jacob Sheep’s spots are unique to them, it is likely that they are the what the Bible is referring to.
- Because of a Jacob Sheep’s black spots on their white wool, one fleece can spin up the entire spectrum of colors from white to gray-lilac to black.