Jacob Sheep

Scientific Name: Ovis aries

Order: Artiodactyla

Family: Bovidae

Conservation Status

About

The true origins of the Jacob sheep are unknown. The breed remains unchanged, which means it has not been commercially improved or selectively bred. Jacob sheep are outgoing, friendly, and intelligent. They welcome attention and love to be scratched and petted. They differ from other breeds of sheep by their spotted pattern and its multiple horns, in both male and female.

Find me at EPZ

Location: Barn

Arrived at EPZ: 04/27/2011

Habitat & Range
Jacob sheep have been raised in England for over 350 years, however their origin is unknown. They were imported to North America in the mid 1900’s from England. They are typically raised in a farm environment.
Identification
The Jacob is a small spotted sheep that is most often covered in black and white wool. Males have an average weight of 160 pounds and females 100 pounds. The most unique characteristic is their 4 horns, although they can have only 2 or as many as 6.
Diet
Jacob sheep are herbivores that feed on grains, alfalfa and vegetables.
Reproduction & Lifespan
Mating season usually occurs in the cooler months of fall and females typically bear 1 to 2 lambs, born in the spring. A Jacob sheep’s lifespan averages 15 to 20 years.
Fantastic Fact
There are approximately 900 different sheep breeds in the world and 40 different breeds of sheep in the United States.

Jacob Sheep

Conservation Status

About

Find me at EPZ

Habitat & Range

Identification

Diet

Reproduction & Lifespan

Fantastic Fact