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                      Jacob Sheep

The Jacob sheep is a rare breed, striking in appearance with its black (or gray) and white face, spotted fleece, and multiple horns. Both ewes and rams can have 2, 4, or 6 horns and the horns of rams may reach over 30 inches. Jacob sheep are smaller than modern domestic breeds and are resistant to many of the health problems that afflict other sheep. The wool is soft and lofty, grading in the medium-fine range, and is a favorite of handspinners.          

 The Jacob sheep may have originated in the Middle East 3000 years ago but have been raised in England for at least 350 years. They were imported into North America for zoological parks in the early 1900’s, with more imports in the 50’s and 70’s. It was only in  1988 that enthusiasts created the Jacob Sheep Breeders Association (JSBA) to protect and conserve the breed.           

My flock of about 50 ewes is pastured in northern Solano County, just north of Vacaville. The sheep are shorn in the winter, before lambing time. I sort the wool into dark and light batches, wash the wool, and take it to a local mill, where it is carded and spun into a variety of soft, lofty, natural colored yarns. I weave warm, soft blankets from this yarn and also market it to other knitters, weavers and crocheters.

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