The Tunis is one of the oldest of the distinct sheep breeds, dating back over 3000 years. The first importation into this country was in 1799, from the flock of the Bey of Tunis in Tunisia, Africa. They were brought to Pennsylvania where they spread mainly to Virginia, Georgia and the Carolinas. Thomas Jefferson was a proud owner of a large flock and a leading promoter of the breed. The Tunis could have been a major breed in this country had not most of the southern flocks been destroyed during the Civil War (1861-1865). The breed was nearly exterminated at that time.

Tunis lambs are red-brown at birth and gradually lighten to the color of cream upon maturity, retaining the distinctive red-brown hair on their legs, face and ears. Tunis ewes and lambs are hornless. The face is slim; a Roman nose is apparent, especially in rams. Face, legs and ears are free of wool. They host long, broad pendulous ears.

The Tunis is a fat-tail sheep; this ancestral characteristic allows the storage of fat over the rump before depositing it internally. Tunis sheep are of medium size, hardy, docile, good mothers, very prolific and heavy milkers, with strong flocking instincts an quiet dispositions making them easy to manage. The Tunis is an out-of-season breeder that does well in any climate. The rams are virile year round breeders. Tunis ewes commonly produce twins and lamb easily.

Tunis sheep are considered a meat breed. Market lambs grow and dress out well. Tunis lambs mature early and their ancestral "fat tale" characteristic results in a carcass of excellent quality. Tunis have medium grade wool, with an annual staple length of 4 inches. Ewes produce 5 to 8 pounds and rams 7 to 9 pounds of wool. Tunis wool lends itself nicely to handspinning.

Historical evidence is scanty, but indicates that the Jacob Sheep is probably an ornamental sheep in origin, rare before the mid-eighteenth century and localized in distribution.

An "Enquiry Into The Origin of Piebald or Jacob Sheep" concludes that these sheep are possibly one of the oldest breeds of sheep known to man. Some have called these animals Spanish sheep, others Jacob sheep and still others Piebald. But it is quite certain that no one really knows the origin of the breed.

Jacob sheep are a small breed that is noted for longevity, usually produces singles and is a black gene dominant sheep.

Jacob sheep are a white sheep with black markings. The ideal Jacob sheep is 60% white and 40% black with black patches on the muzzle, around the eyes, the sides of the neck and on the feet, knees and hocks. Random spotting occurs throughout the back and sides. Horns and hooves must be striped or solid black. Jacob sheep sport two or four horns. It is desired that the horns be attractive and in no way interfere with the normal activities of the sheep.

Meat and lamb connoisseurs enjoy Jacob, overlooking the fact that the carcass is small. Jacob sheep also produce lovely tanned hides. Handspinners enjoy the fleece allowing them choices and color combinations with the black and white wool. Jacob fleeces weigh an average of 3 to 5 pounds with a staple length of 3 to 4 inches.

Jacobs are wonderful sheep for both the hobby farmer and the hard core sheep breeder considering they are an Ornamental Park Sheep Breed!

The Green Pigeon Wool Company, 2882 N Jerome Rd, N Adams, MI 49230, 517 592 7200 or 517 523 3250 Email Info at Greenpigeonwool.com