Usually horned in both sexes, with two or four horns. The origin of the Jacob or Spanish sheep is not known with any certainty. One theory is that they have originally come from Mesopotamia as they are related to the fat-tailed sheep of the Middle East. The first stock of this breed was imported to this country come from Cape Colony where it had been established by Spanish and Portuguese settlers. The fleece colour of the dark patches at birth is very dark brown but this becomes gradually a lighter colour.
Some sheep can be quite dark, whereas others can be almost white with light spotting.
The wool is much in demand as knitting wool and attractively patterned materials may be made solely by using undyed and unbleached wool of different natural colours. Grey face with arched nose and white ears. Legs and feet covered with short, thick hair. Lambs are born with almost black wool which turns lighter as they grow older. Rams have creamy white horns which often curve majestically.