Jacobs Four Horned Sheep

Ovis aries


Jacobs Four Horned Sheep is a breed of domesticated sheep originating from the United Kingdom. A breed society was established in 1969, although the exact origins of the breed are unknown. It has been bred in the British Isles for several hundred years. It is said that among the many accounts of ancient piebald (of having irregular patches of two colors, typically black and white) breeds of sheep is the story of Jacob from the first book of the Hebrew Bible. According to the Book of Genesis, Jacob took every speckled and spotted sheep from his father-in-law’s flock and bred them. Due to the resemblance to the animal described in Genesis, the Jacob sheep was named for the Biblical figure of Jacob during the 20th century.

Characteristically the Jacob sheep can be described as a small, multi-horned, piebald sheep that resembles a goat. Mature rams (males) can weigh about 119 - 180 lbs, while ewes (females) weigh about 80 to 120lbs. This sheeps body frame is long, with a straight back and a rump that slopes down toward the base of the tail. The head is slender and triangular and clear of wool forward of the horns and on the cheeks. Their horns will protrude from the head curving backwards.

Say Hello To Cub Creek's Sheep: Rango

Rango was raised right here at camp as a bottle baby in 2011. He is extremely food motivated and will do just about anything to get a treat. He loves hanging out with our other sheep and goats, clearly distinguished by his four horns and splotchy wool coloring.

Jacobs Four Horned Sheep Map - Cub Creek Science Camp

Jacobs Four Horned Sheep were first domesticated in the United Kingdom.

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HABITAT -Jacobs Four Horned Sheep live in the grassy fields of the U.K.

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DIET -Sufficient amounts of grass for grazing sustain them, supplemented by hay. They will also forage for tree and plant leaves.

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FUN FACT -Their most distinguishing features must be their four horns, although they may have as few as two or as many as six!

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SOCIAL BEHAVIOR -The sheep live in flocks, and are domesticated by humans.

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ACTIVITY -Jacobs Four Horn sheep are diurnal, active during the day and sleeping at night.

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PREDATORS -Predators include coyotes, wolves, bobcats, and wild dogs.

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SIZE -Rams (males) weigh between 119 - 180 lbs and ewes (females) weigh between 80 - 120 lbs.

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RELATIVES -Relatives of the Jacobs Four Horn include the British Jacob and the American Jacob.

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CONSERVATION -Jacobs Four Horn Sheep are categorized as NE (Not Evaluated) species by the IUCN.

Cub Creek Animal Care Information


Housing - Our Jacobs Four Horn Sheep thrive in open pasture environments, with lush green fields for grazing. The pastures are enclosed with fencing to keep predators out, and provide a covered area to take shelter in extreme weather. We provide automatic water dispensers that always keep fresh water for them.

Diet - The majority of our Jacob Four Horn Sheeps diet consists of allstock and hay. This provides well balanced nutrition, supplemented by lush grasses they graze on. The food is provided to them in hanging food bucket containers, a feed trough, and hay feeders. Sometimes they enjoy special treats of various vegetables!

Enrichment - We love our sheep and provide them with plenty of enrichment. Scatter feeding is a technique we use to help make mealtimes last longer, and allows them to eat slower. Since the food is more spread out rather than in one large pile, they must do a bit more foraging. We also give them livestock balls to play with, and they live in the same pasture as our goats with their goat playground! We also like to let them roam and explore outside of their regular grazing areas.