Jacob

Jacob Sheep

Breed Type: Minor Breed
Country of Origin: England
Breed Association Websites:
jsba.org
jacobsheepconservancy.com

Jacob sheep are a primitive (unimproved), multi-horned, spotted sheep. Jacobs are small in stature, with mature ewes weighing 80-120 pounds, and rams weighing 120-180 pounds. The Jacob breed was developed about 400 years ago in England, where the sheep were kept at just a few large estates. The name Jacob was applied only in the last century (probably because of the reference to spotted sheep in the Biblical story of Jacob). Before that, they were known as piebald (spotted or patched) sheep.

Horns: Both males and females are horned, generally one or two pairs, with some rams and ewes having up to six horns. The ram has larger and more striking horns. The two-horned ram has the classic horizontal double curled horn. The four-horned ram has two vertical center horns, which may be up to two feet or more in length, and two smaller side horns, which grow down along the sides of the ram’s head. The horns on the ewe are smaller in diameter, shorter in length and appear more delicate than those of the ram.

Markings: The Jacob is a white sheep with black spots. The desired Jacob face is referred to as “badger faced” with black cheeks and muzzle, black patches around the eyes, and a white blaze down the nose. Other breed-specific markings occur as black patches around the neck, and on the horns, ears, hooves, knees and hocks. Random spots occur on the rest of the body and legs. The color pattern is approximately 50% black to white, though a great variation in the amount of black occurs. Each Jacob has distinctive markings, which enable the shepherd to identify specific sheep at a distance.

Wool: The Jacob fleece is prized by many spinners, weavers and knitters. It is open, soft, and light with little grease (lanolin). The black wool grows out of black skin and the white wool grows out of white or pink skin. Black wool may sun-bleach to a spectrum of browns. In one of the variations of the breed, instead of black wool, some Jacobs have blue-gray to gray-brown wool, known as “lilac.” The light and dark wool may be blended before spinning to form various shades of gray and brown. The colors may also be separated after shearing to produce various shades of yarn from a single fleece. The fleece generally weighs 3-6 pounds and varies in crimp and fineness. Staple (cluster) length is generally 3-5 inches and may be up to 7 inches. The wool is considered to be a medium grade (Bradford count 46-54). One characteristic of Jacob fleeces is the wide range in variation, not only from animal to animal, but along the length and width of the individual fleece. Many Jacobs show some crimp in the wool at the shoulders, but not on the hindquarters. The wool on the lower rear legs is typically quite kempy (coarse and hairy). These characteristics reflect the primitive origins of the Jacob.

Perfect for the Small Farm: Whether you want to breed or to raise just a few sheep, consider Jacobs. They have a striking appearance and playful personalities. Jacobs are strong and hardy, resistant to parasites and foot problems. Jacob ewes lamb easily and have strong mothering instincts. Please join us in the conservation of a unique and rare breed, the Jacob sheep!


This breed presented by

Poplar Spring Farm
Roy Deppa
21021 New Hampshire Ave
Brookeville, MD 20833
(301) 774-6471

facebook.com/JacobSheepPoplarSpringFarm

2023 Featured Breed: Jacob

Learn more about the Jacob breed and talk to JSBA members in the Breed Display Barn (Barn 7-8 on the map) while you are at the Festival.

Schedule of Events

Search schedule by:

Event Type

Day

In case you missed our earlier announcement, we are now accepting orders for a second printing of large tote bags and moss green t-shirts at www.sheepman.com/product-category/maryland-sheep-wool-festival-online/. Orders will be accepted through COB on Wednesday, May 24th. After that time, the order will go to the printer. They have given us a turn around time of around 2 weeks to have the items printed. Once we have the shirts in hand, we will start shipping to fulfill the orders. Your credit card will not be charged until your order ships. Note: The "guesstimated" shipping fee that is computer generated by the online sales platform at the time of your order tends to run high. You will likely notice the actual charge when your order is shipped is considerably less. Store pickup at the Sheepman Supply showroom in Frederick, MD is also possible; put "store pick up" in special instructions when you check out and you won't be charged the shipping. #mdsw #mdsw2023 #festivalgear #celebrating50years ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Due to the overwhelming popularity of our 50th anniversary items, we are now accepting orders for a second printing of select items at www.sheepman.com/product-category/maryland-sheep-wool-festival-online/. The order period will run until COB on Wednesday, May 24, at which time we will send the order off to the screen printing company. The delivery time will run 2-4 weeks from that point. These second printing items are limited to the large boat tote bag and a short-sleeve t-shirt in Moss green. The shirts are a ComfortWash by Hanes garment-dyed t-shirts in 5.5 ounce, 100% ring-spun cotton and standard unisex sizing, sizes S to 3X. All sales on this second printing will be final (no returns or exchanges). There is also a small quantity of already-printed items available on a first-come, first- served basis until supplies are exhausted:Short-sleeve t-shirt in “Indigo Blue” – Small (16), Medium (14), Large (8), XL (6), 2X (4), 4X (4), 5X (2)Hooded long-sleeve t-shirt in “Saltwater” – Small (6), Medium (4), Large (4), XL (8)Large boat tote bags (8) – these are the same mentioned above“Peacock” blue backpack (13)“Red Rock” beach wash shoulder tote (6)Large posters (12)Small posters (7)These are the same items that were available online prior to the festival and were also sold at the festival. Pickup at Sheepman Supply in Frederick, MD is available. Put “Store Pick Up” in special instructions when you check out and you won’t be charged the shipping. Thank you for your patience while we worked out these details.#mdsw #mdsw2023 #celebrating50years #festivalgear ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpFtt0J2tmsmUmt3Jzr5t3uz6wg3H4DV_