The name Zwartbles means “Black with a White Blaze” (Zwart = Black) & (Bles = Blaze).
Zwartbles are a large framed black breed of sheep with defined white points, including the distinctive white blaze on their head.
The breed is thought to have descended from the Schoonebekker sheep which grazed heathlands in North East Holland. During the 1900s these Zwartbles types within the Schoonebekker breed were crossed with Friesian Milk sheep and Texels to develop the modern Zwartbles type.
A medium boned animal, Zwartbles are a tall sheep, being naturally polled and with a long neck.
Zwartbles carry a thick and springy fleece, with a black base colour. The white blaze on the head should not continue in to the wool and the tail should have a white tip, with the breed also having white socks at the base of their legs, either two or four.
The breed is noted for its maternal ability and is a milky and prolific breed.
Flock pictures provided by Fiona Brown, Stainmore Zwartbles, Bowes, UK
For more information visit:
UK - Zwartbles Sheep Association
https://www.zwartbles.org/
USA - no association available yet, see Facebook page
North American Zwartbles Sheep Breeders
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1350797591961945
|
