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Jacob Sheep have graced the large estates and country homes of England for many centuries. Their impressive horns, black and white faces and spotted bodies have no doubt contributed to the popularity and survival of this unique breed. Their name comes from romantic stories about them being direct descendants of the flock of sheep acquired by Jacob during the time he worked for his father-in-law as mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 30).

Their true origins are not known, spotted or pied sheep may have originated in what is now Syria some three thousand years ago. Pictorial evidence traces movements of these sheep through North Africa, Sicily and on to Spain. Documentation suggests, however, that numbers of these Spanish sheep were washed ashore from shipwreaks in the attempted invasion of the Spanish Armada during the reign of Elizabeth I. These sheep when crossed with the native flocks of Northern England and Scotland, produced the breed we know today. Whatever their origins, Jacobs differ from other British and Northern European polycerates (sheep with more than one set of horns) in that they have a medium fine fleece and no outer coat. Other Northern primitive breeds are double coated, having a fine inner coat and a coarser, longer outer coat.

Importation of Jacob Sheep to the U.S. and Canada began around the turn of the 20th century (1900). These have been dispersed all over the continent and many crossed to other breeds. Because of this, crossbred traits must still be watched for and agressively culled in modern flocks. Some breeds of sheep have a marked tendency to produce the occasional lamb which is spotted. Dorset and those sheep with Merino origin as well as Karakul and many of the primitive Northern breeds are known to produce spotted offspring. Just because a sheep is spotted, or may be polycerate, does not mean it is a Jacob Sheep.

The American Jacobs are an old world sheep which, unlike many other old breeds, have not undergone improved breeding to satisfy the commercial marketplace. They have a more primitive, deer like body shape, are slender boned and provide a flavorful, lean carcass with little external fat. Due to finer bone structure and less body fat, the carcass yield from hanging weight to freezer is high when compared to the more improved breeds. Ewes require less supplemental feed during times of increased nutritional need and lamb easily, usually with no assistance. The lambs are up and nursing vigorously without help. Jacob ewes are included in commercial flocks in England due to their hardiness, ease of lambing, strong mothering instinct and because they rarely require the shepherd's time and attention. Both rams and ewes are easily kept and have a resistance to parasites and foot problems. The fleece is soft and open, light in grease, making it highly sought after by Handspinners.

The Jacob is highly marketable as breeding stock and for its' products. Farm-gate sales of freezer lamb, tanned pelts, Handspinners fleeces, horns for walking sticks and buttons, bring the breeder financial return as well as the pleasure of seeing this handsome breed on the farm and in the fields.