Switzerland's native Valais Black nose sheep are renowned as the world's most adorable sheep, fetching prices of up to £10,000 each, approximately 40 times the cost of ordinary sheep.

Within a week of a lamb's birth, it is already considered a valuable asset. Given their rarity and charming appearance, people are scrambling to take them as pets. Perhaps due to their undeniable cuteness, the popular British cartoon "Shaun the Sheep" is based on the Blacknose sheep.

The Valais Blacknose sheep is a species with a rich history and is a member of the goat family. Its earliest history dates back to 1400 BC, and in 1962 it was recognized as a distinct species. The most distinctive features of this glacier goat are its black face, ears, knees, and limbs, which contrast with its snow-white, super-fluffy locks of wool. Glacier goats typically have white wool with black stripes distributed on their nose, eyes, ears, knees, hocks, and feet, giving them a very recognizable appearance.

These animals were domesticated early on by the people of Valais for meat and wool collection. Although goats have been documented since 1400 BC, it wasn't until 1962 that this robust and docile goat was officially recognized as a separate species. Each goat weighs around 80 to 100 kg and can produce about 4 kg of wool per year.

Valais Black nose sheep are a type of glacier goat that originated in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. They are well adapted to living in hillside areas, where they forage on steep, rugged slopes. Despite their fluffy exterior, these sheep are remarkably resilient and well-suited to harsh environmental conditions.

Valais Black nose sheep have a distinctive appearance, with a black face, black ears, and black knees. However, the rest of their bodies are white. When looking at their faces, it takes some effort to discern the position of their nose and mouth. They have snow-white, fluffy wool, and when their wool grows long, they resemble a round doughnut. This appearance makes them highly recognizable.

Despite being domesticated by humans, Valais Black nose sheep have a strong ability to adapt to cold climates. They are agile and move freely in alpine areas, even on steep and rugged slopes. These sheep are omnivorous, eating both meat and grass, which may seem surprising given their gentle appearance, but it is essential for their survival.

Valais Black nose sheep are incredibly robust and rarely get sick. They have a high economic value due to their high-quality wool. While their meat is also considered delicious, their renewable wool is more valuable, so many shepherds choose to raise them for wool rather than slaughter them for meat.

Shepherds feed Valais Black nose sheep with high-quality food and drink, always remembering that "the wool comes from the sheep."

Valais Blacknose sheep are a breed that specializes in producing wool and their distinctive features and snow-white coat make them ideal for creating many expensive items.