[Jacob-list] Fleeces

[Mary Spahr]

I agree with Betty about the correlation between leg markings and freckling/ticking.  I have also noticed in our flock, and have heard other breeders confirm, that leg markings seem to go hand in hand with some freckling.  I have been sending pictures to a prospective buyer who has raised Jacob sheep since 1982.  His preference is Jacobs with lots of leg color and a HUGE black muzzle.  He also thinks that with flashy markings, generally some freckling will be present.
When we refer to down-type fleeces, we do not mean "downy" as in "soft."  There seems to be quite a bit of confusion about this.  The term is in reference to the Down breeds.  Their fleeces are not short.  They can and do have a good staple length.  What they do not have is a pronounced crimp.  They are described as "springy", but not like a rubberband or piece of elastic.  Most wool feels springy to me which is why it works so well in ribbing on socks and cuffs.   
According to Ingrid, dense fleeces are not typical of the Jacob breed.  I am sure that there are different degrees of density.  To quote from her book:  Type D - Spongy       Fleece:  "The fleece is also denser, which means that there are more fibers per square inch, and it is not the typical 'open' fleece of the Jacob.  Type D fleeces will generally weigh more than the other types of fleece."

Mary Spahr

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