Jacob

A rare, piebald, multi-horned heritage breed descended from primitive Old World sheep; humans played little part in its formation. It has been recorded in England since the mid-17th century and was widely bred a century later.

It can have up to six horns, though most have four. Usually piebald with large white patches; the face resembles a badger's, with black or dark bands on both sides and white between. Rams weigh 54–82 kg and ewes 36–54 kg.

Bred for wool, meat and skins, and today also kept as a pet and ornamental animal; rams may guard the flock against intruders and predators. Because it was crossed with other breeds in England, it survives in its ancestral form mainly in North America.