What is a Zwartbles sheep? (Zwartbles sheep)
The Zwartbles (English: Zwartbles sheep) originates from the Netherlands and can now also be found in other countries such as England and Belgium. The sheep owes its name to its black sheepskin and the white stripe on its head. The blaze is the white stripe that runs across the entire head of the animal. Each sheep’s blaze is unique. The breed is raised, among other places, in the northern part of the Netherlands, primarily in Friesland and Drenthe. These animals were often raised alongside dairy cows. In young lambs, the sheepskin is black. As the sheep ages, the sheepskin turns brown.
What are the characteristics of Zwartbles sheep?
Zwartbles sheep are fairly large and well-muscled. The sheep stands high on its legs and is hornless. Characteristic features of this breed include white “socks” (2 to 4 white legs), a white tail, and a white blaze on the head. The sheep’s wool is coarse but pleasantly soft.
A Zwartbles sheep can weigh approximately 120 to 150 kilograms, and a ewe weighs 80 to 100 kilograms. The ewe lambs easily and requires little to no assistance from a veterinarian during lambing. In addition, this breed is particularly fertile, unlike other sheep breeds.
The history of the Blackbless sheep
Exactly how the Zwartbles breed originated is not entirely known. According to some, Zwartbles sheep originated from a crossbreeding of various sheep breeds, such as the Schoonebeekers, Texel sheep, and various local dairy sheep. Around 1975, there were approximately 500 Zwartbles sheep, though many were not purebred. Much has changed since then. The breed has become increasingly valued for its excellent working qualities, attractive appearance, and high milk production. In 2006, there were approximately 4,000 Zwartbles sheep registered with the Zwartbles sheep herd book in the Netherlands.
Sheepskins at Leatheroverstock
The Zwartbles sheep stands out for its dark coat with a white blaze. Do you like dark shades? Then check out the black sheepskins and the black-brown sheepskins, or all genuine sheepskins.
More sheep breeds: Texel sheep, Drenthe Heath sheep, Jacob sheep, Racka sheep, or view all sheep breeds.