11 Delightful Sheep With Black Faces [The Cutest Sheep Contest!]

Sheep with black faces are so adorable! If you’ve ever thought about adding some black-faced sheep to your new flock, we’ve got all the top breeds of sheep with black faces right here for you.

But why do some of us prefer sheep with black faces? Well, it is not just for aesthetic reasons! Some of the most famous sheep breeds with black faces are popular because they are productive breeding stock.

On the other hand, some black-faced sheep are not ideal for breeding meat lambs, but they make adorable pets, perfect if you want something to keep the grass trimmed on a small homestead.

Lovely sheep relaxing and foraging on their field.

Top Breeds of Sheep With Black Faces
Conclusion

Top Breeds of Sheep With Black Faces

Whether you’re looking for new breeding stock, a pair of self-driven grass cutters, or just a pet sheep, here are some of the most famous sheep breeds with black faces to browse.

Valais Blacknose Sheep
Dorper Sheep
Suffolk Sheep
Hampshire Sheep
Shropshire Sheep
Black Welsh Mountain Sheep
Karakul Sheep
Romanov Sheep
Scottish Blackface Sheep
Clun Forest Sheep
Zwartbles Sheep

Let’s also discuss the cutest sheep with black faces in more detail.

(We also have endless black face sheep photos and videos to share!)

1. Valais Blacknose Sheep

amazing walliser schwarznase sheep in field — These are some of the most adorable sheep with black faces. The legendary Walliser Schwarznase! Also called Valais Blacknose, these sheep have lovely black noses and are so cute! They’re also old-school! Their lineage goes back hundreds of years in Valais, Switzerland. (It also looks like they wear funny black shoes!)

The Valais Blacknose sheep is quite possibly one of the cutest sheep breeds I have ever seen.

These distinctive little sheep have black covering the nose, ears, and eyes. Above this, the top of the head is white, giving the appearance of a sheep wearing a fluffy beanie hat! Originating from the Valais region of Switzerland, this is an ancient breed that is hardy and good for grazing rocky, rough ground.

Key Features of Valais Blacknose Sheep
Purpose	Dual purpose, reared for both meat and wool
Temperament	Calm and docile, easy to tame and handle
Lambing capabilities	An easy-lambing breed that can lamb twice in one year
Preferred climate	Hardy, ideal for grazing on rough, rocky ground in cooler climates
Breed society	Valais Blacknose Society

Are Valais Blacknose Sheep a Rare Breed?

The numbers of Valais Blacknose sheep are relatively low, estimated to be below 19,000 worldwide. They get categorized as a rare heritage breed of sheep.
They are relatively uncommon outside of their home country, although breeding programs worldwide are being established.

Where Can I Find Valais Blacknose Sheep?

Valais Blacknose sheep aren’t only in Switzerland! They can get found in the United Kingdom, Germany, and New Zealand. It can be tricky to find this rare heritage breed elsewhere. But extensive breeding programs are underway in the United States and other countries.

How to Get Started Raising Goats | Kristin Duke

Raising goats is a ton of fun. But it's also a handful! So we're sharing this goat-raising course by Kristin Duke. Kristin wants to show you how to choose the best possible goat breed for your homestead or farm. You'll also discover the most critical goat supplies, feed, and fencing options. Kristin also shares plenty of maintenance tips for raising happy and healthy goats.

Get More Info

PAID LINK - We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

2. Dorper Sheep

black faced dorper sheep herd on rural farm — We fell asleep trying to count all of these Dorper sheep. There were too many to track! We also noticed that there are different Dorper sheep. Not all Dorpers are sheep with black faces! After researching, we discovered two black-headed Dorper sheep varieties. There’s a black-headed variety. They also have all-white Dorper cousins.

The Dorper sheep doesn’t win any marks for cuteness, but it is a majestic and regal black-faced sheep with many advantages that make it attractive to homesteaders!

Developed by mating Dorset horn and Blackhead Persian sheep, these muscular ovines have a high output level for minimal input. They can survive on poor-quality grazing. And unlike many other sheep breeds, they will eat bushes and weeds. And grass!

Key Features of Dorper Sheep
Purpose	Prized for good-quality lean meat production
Temperament	Calm but not particularly sociable towards humans
Lambing capabilities	Highly fertile and can lamb three times in two years
Preferred climate	Able to thrive in warm and cool climates on arid, sparse grazing
Breed society	American Dorper Sheep Breeders Society

What is Dorper Sheep Used for Other Than Grazing?

The Dorper was developed primarily as a mutton sheep. It is easy to breed and has a long reproductive life. They also get admired for their thick skin, which helps make sheepskin gloves.

Is a Dorper a Sheep Hair Sheep?

The Dorper breed is a hair sheep. The term hair sheep means that it produces hair instead of wool. The coat of a hair sheep consists of a long coarse coat with a thick, soft undercoat.

Do All Dorper Sheep Shed?

All Dorper sheep will shed their hair coat. They do not need to get shorn. However, regular trimming will help to keep the sheep coat neat.

What is the Difference Between Dorper and Katahdin Sheep?

Katahdin sheep and Dorper get bred as meat sheep, prized for their high-quality mutton. Dorper sheep are often selected over Katahdin lambs as the meat tends to be leaner and more muscular.

katahdin and barbados blackbelly lamb mix — We tried to find the most adorable sheep with black faces. We think these two baby Katahdin sheep won the prize! Katahdin sheep are popular hair breeds that originate in Maine. We also noticed that Katahdin sheep have different colors. Some have white, black, brown, and beige coats. But all of them are neat looking!

3. Suffolk Sheep

black faced suffolk sheep with thick gray wool — These iconic hornless sheep with black faces hail from Suffolk, England. They developed between 1800 and 1850. They’re famous for their ample and delicious mutton. You can recognize Suffolk sheep by their black faces and black legs. Suffolk sheep may appear lazy and unmotivated at first. But you’ll be surprised – they’re energetic. And fecund! In other words – Suffolk sheep have reputations for being productive – and creating lots of lambs!)

The Suffolk sheep breed originates from England and is now one of the most well-known sheep breeds in the western world. These sheep are famous for their distinctive black head and legs. They also sport a noble appearance. They are muscular and strong, and the fast-growing lambs get commonly bred for meat.

Key Features of Suffolk Sheep
Purpose	Fast-growing meat lambs
Temperament	Calm and sensible, although not particularly friendly
Lambing capabilities	An easy-lambing breed that often has twins or triplets
Preferred climate	Able to thrive in a variety of climates but do best on good quality grazing
Breed society	Suffolk Sheep Society

Are Suffolk Lambs Born Black?

If you are breeding from your Suffolk sheep, don’t be surprised if the lambs are black when they are born! Most Suffolk lambs are born black, and the body will turn white as the lamb ages.

4. Hampshire Sheep

rural hampshire sheep with thick gray wool coat — Hampshire sheep are thick and boxy-looking sheep with black faces! They’re tremendously large among other sheep – and also great for meat. They have thick coats of white or dark gray wool. Hampshire sheep hail from Hampshire, England. But – they’re also popular in other parts of the world. Especially the USA! Check out the American Hampshire Sheep Association to learn more. (Operating since 1889!)

The Hampshire sheep, or Hampshire Down, is another English sheep breed. They have black wool on the nose, ears, and around the eyes, and the rest of the face is white.

The lambs of the Hampshire sheep are utterly adorable! They look just like a stuffed toy lamb!

Key Features of Hampshire Sheep
Purpose	Reared for both lamb meat and prime-quality mutton
Temperament	Docile and good-natured
Lambing capabilities	Easy to lamb, normally produces a single lamb
Preferred climate	Hardy and tough, able to adapt to many climates
Breed society	Hampshire Down Sheep Breeders Association

5. Shropshire Sheep

shropshire clun forest sheep with black face — Shropshire sheep are marvelous and elegant creatures! Some homesteaders and farmers include Clun Forest sheep as Shropshire sheep – named after Shropshire, England. But they’re not only from England and Wales. They also have their official association in America – called the North American Clun Forest Association. They’re popular in the US, too! And elsewhere.

Shropshire sheep are similar to the Hampshire Down in appearance but are smaller and more refined. The black wool on the nose extends to just below the eyes, and the ears are also black. Shropshire sheep get commonly reared for meat.

Key Features of Shropshire Sheep
Purpose	Dual-purpose, reared for both wool and meat
Temperament	Calm and gentle
Lambing capabilities	Easy to lamb, most commonly giving birth to twins
Preferred climate	Ideal for grazing woodland pasture
Breed society	Shropshire Sheep Breeders Association

6. Black Welsh Mountain Sheep

black faced black welsh sheep in meadow — There’s no mistaking these black beauties. They’re some of the most striking sheep with black faces. And black fleeces all! Their black wool is unique from most other sheep on this list. You’ll also notice that the rams have beautiful horns. And in case you’re wondering – we wrote an epic guide about the difference between rams vs. goats. Are they the same? Or not?!

Black Welsh Mountain sheep are an ancient breed of sheep. They date back to the middle ages. This distinctive sheep has a dense wooly brown coat but is bald on the legs and face. The face is jet black and very elegant.

The wool of the Black Welsh Mountain sheep is highly sought after, as it is uniform in color and very durable. Their wool’s lush and uniform appearance makes it very versatile. The Black Welsh wool gets used by hand spinners to make hardwearing woolen clothing.

Key Features of Black Welsh Mountain Sheep
Purpose	High-quality wool, sought after by hand spinners
Temperament	Hardy and self-reliant, may struggle to bond with humans
Lambing capabilities	Will normally lamb outdoors without any assistance
Preferred climate	A tough hillside sheep that will thrive in harsh climates
Breed society	Black Welsh Mountain Sheep Breeders Association

7. Karakul Sheep

Check out this video from Checkmate Farm! It shows their adorable Karakul sheep farm! Karakuls are famous for having luxurious and soft wool. Some of the Karakul sheep have black faces. But – we’ve noticed that some Karakuls have other colors – like black, white, pink, beige, and brown. They’ve been in the USA since 1909. They also have a reputation in the US for being classic and old-fashioned sheep. (In a good way!)

Karakul sheep are used primarily for wool production, thanks to their thick double coat. They are a rare breed, and their history can be dated back to around 1400 B.C.

Fun fact! Karakul sheep are a desert breed. They can store nourishment in their thick tails – like how a camel uses its hump!

Key Features of Karakul Sheep

Purpose	Wool and lambskin production
Temperament	Independent and low-maintenance
Lambing capabilities	Excellent mothers with a high survival rate of offspring
Preferred climate	Can cope with extreme heat or cold but not excessive rain
Breed society	Karakul Shepherds Alliance

8. Romanov Sheep

We found an epic video from Poe Craft and Provisions showing off their Romanovs! Romanov sheep are easily some of the cutest sheep with black faces. We also read that they’re tremendously productive. We also read from a reliable source that Romanov sheep have three or more lambs at a time. Wow. And yikes! We hope you have one heck of a farm! With plenty of space – and yummy sheep food!

Romanov sheep are born with entirely black coats. But over time, they shed their hair and become lighter. As an adult, this Russian breed of sheep has a characteristic steel grey coat and black face.

Key Features of Romanov Sheep
Purpose	Primarily raised for meat, although the wool is becoming more popular
Temperament	Alert and flighty, not ideal as a family pet
Lambing capabilities	Easy to lamb and can produce up to six lambs at a time!
Preferred climate	Adapted to cooler inland climates
Breed society	North American Romanov Sheep Association

9. Scottish Blackface Sheep

mighty scottish blackface highlander sheep — Here are some of the toughest sheep with black faces. The Scottish Blackface sheep! They’re natural Highlanders and are famous for surviving harsh conditions. You’ll also notice that they have beautiful horns. Most Scottish black faces we’ve seen have partially black faces. But some have dashes and swirls of white.

Blackies have an iconic black and white patterned face and are one of the most beloved black-faced sheep breeds. Anywhere! These sheep originate from the harsh Scottish Highlands, and their long, dense wooly coat can withstand even the most inclement weather!

Key Features of Scottish Blackface Sheep
Purpose	Produces coarse wool which is ideal for making tweed and carpets
Temperament	Docile and easy to handle
Lambing capabilities	Easy to lamb with minimal assistance required
Preferred climate	Can tolerate most climates, including rugged hillsides and rocky ground
Breed society	The Blackface Sheep Breeders Association

10. Clun Forest Sheep

adorable clun forest sheep with black face — Clun Forest sheep are some of our favorite sheep with black faces. They have thick black noses and black feet. Clun Forest sheep are also famous for being hardy foragers. We also read that they’re not popular as commercial sheep breeds. But – they’re a favorite among small homesteaders, ranchers, and farmers in the USA and abroad.

Clun Forest sheep have a white body with a dense, short wooly coat. You’ll also notice their black, wool-free face. Although once very rare, this breed is increasing in popularity! Their newfound popularity is thanks to their versatility as a milk ewe and breeding stock.

Key Features of Clun Forest Sheep
Purpose	Multi-purpose – kept for meat, wool, and milk
Temperament	Alert and active, but good-natured and easy to handle
Lambing capabilities	Easy to lamb, consistently produce twins
Preferred climate	Upland or sparse grazing
Breed society	North American Clun Forest Association

11. Zwartbles Sheep

thirsty zwartbles black faced sheep drinking — We saved the cutest sheep for last. We’re talking about Zwartbles! It looks like this one got too thirsty and didn’t want to pose for a photograph. But no worries! If you want to learn more about these adorable creatures, check out the official Zwartbles sheep association. You’ll notice that not all Zwartbles are sheep with black faces. But – most of them have a speckle of black, gray, or dark brown. They look nifty either way!

The Zwartbles sheep breed has a face like no other! They’re one of the only black-faced sheep breeds to have a characteristic white stripe, or blaze, down the center of the face. They also commonly have white on the lower legs, called socks, and a white tail tip.

Key Features of Zwartbles Sheep
Purpose	Production of milk as well as lamb meat and mutton
Temperament	Docile and friendly
Lambing capabilities	Can raise triplets with ease
Preferred climate	Suited to cold, wet climates
Breed society	Zwartbles Sheep Association

Read More – 7 Reasons for Raising Oberhasli Goats!

Conclusion

As you can see, if you are looking for black-faced sheep breeds, you are spoilt for choice! Some of these sheep breeds are widely available worldwide, while others are rarer.

When selecting a breed of sheep, it is vital to double-check that it will thrive in your climate! Otherwise, you’ll be landing yourself with a whole lot of extra work and potential trouble.

(Nobody wants an anxious trouble-making sheep herd!)

What about you?

Let us know what your favorite black-faced sheep breed is! We’d love to hear all about them! (Bonus points if you have photos of black-face sheep you can share with us!)

Thanks again for reading.

Have a beautiful day!

5 Comments

Carol l says:

July 23, 2022 at 7:35 am

This is a very nice article. A few points that would have made it a GREAT article: Most people don’t buy sheep just ’cause they’re cute:

1: What are each breed good for? (wool, meat, milk)? You mention in a few breeds, but not all.

2:Temperament? Are they very active and hard to work? Are they docile? Do they try to escape all the time (like goats), or are they content? PS: What is fecund?

3: How well do they lamb? In other words, do they often have difficulty in birth, or do they give birth easily?

And as you mention in closing:
4: Which type of climate do they require: cold, warm, a mix? Largely forest? largely pasture?

If these questions aren’t to be answered in your post, links to further education would be nice for ALL BREEDS listed.

Thank you for bringing these interesting breeds to light.

1. Elle says:
  
  July 24, 2022 at 7:08 pm
  
  Thank you Carol!
  We are going to update the article with all the information within the next two weeks!
  Elle
  
  1. Elle says:
    
    August 2, 2022 at 6:19 pm
    
    Updated!
    Thanks for the feedback once again!
    😀
    
2. Jennifer McAdam says:
  
  March 30, 2024 at 5:04 pm
  
  The Romanov is my favorite.
  
  1. Mike D says:
    
    April 24, 2024 at 4:16 pm
    
    Dear Jennifer,
    
    Thank you so much for sharing your favorite sheep breed with us!
    
    The Romanov sheep are indeed fascinating creatures. Their distinctive double coat and exceptional prolificacy set them apart. These woolly wonders often surprise shepherds with their ability to produce multiple lambs per pregnancy, making them a true marvel in ovine genetics. 🐑
    
    Thanks again for your contribution!
    
    Warm regards,
    
    Mike D

Table of contents