Valais Blacknose: Meet Australia’s newest sheep breed

They may originally call the Swiss mountains home, but this curious sheep breed is stealing the hearts of Australian breeders.

Hailing from the Swiss mountains, quirky Valais Blacknose sheep is a new arrival on Australia’s livestock scene.

But the breed has made a home in the hearts of the breeders who are investing in their genetics and growth.

So much so, that Malakai Farms stud principal Shane Carey sold his alpaca flock in recent years to build up his breeding operation at Miners Rest in central Victoria.

He said people are often shocked by the appearance of the horned breed, but ultimately are enamoured with their adorable faces.

It’s part of what first attracted him to the breed more than eight years ago when he first became interested in importing genetics into Australia.

“I’ve really jumped in. We’re now the biggest Valais breeders in Australia with about 70 purebred Valais, and are also running a big crossbreeding program as well,” Shane said.

He said his crossbreeding program will help to create Australian purebred stock.

“They’re a really docile breed, they don’t have that fight or flight and their temperament is more like a dog,” Shane said.

“They like human interaction, they’re very friendly.”

Valais Blacknose Sheep with stud principal Shayne Carey at Malachi Valais. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Winning a number of ribbons at the recent Victoria Sheep Show at Ballarat, including champion ram and champion ewe, Shane is looking forward to bringing the Blacknose to the public at the upcoming Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo.

Valais Blacknose Australia show secretary Alicia McConnell said the breed has only been in Australia since late 2021, with the first lambs born in 2022.

About five Valais Blacknose studs and 30 sheep will be at the upcoming Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show, with the breed to be featured at the show for the first time.

“I go every year, it’s the biggest sheep show, and if we’re going to announce nationally that Valais are here, then that’s the place to go,” Alicia said.

She said the breed was incredibly docile and great which children, making them a perfect pet or animal for lifestyle properties and Airbnbs.

“The interest is certainly growing. We get a mix of responses, traditional Merino operators will come up to us and ask us what we’re doing, but others come up and just say that they’re adorable.”