[Jacob-list] Opinion regarding "true Jacob"

[Linda]

Even among breeders that don't register, isn't there an idea of what is a Jacob? I'm not talking about the 60/40 color or ideal facial markings or perfectly marked legs or the JSBA or JSC standard.  I'm talking about the all black four horned rams in the post that Jaci sent.  Maybe the breed standard is personal preference if you start out knowing what a Jacob is, but maybe it would keep someone from buying one of the rams advertised as a Jacob Sheep in Jaci's post. I sometimes get emails from people (not JSBA or JSC members) with pictures of their "prize" Jacobs. Some of the sheep are completely black except for the white cap, some of the ewes have no horns, some have four black legs, some are double coated, some just aren't Jacobs... on and on and on, yada, yada, yada. They bought these sheep from someone that told them they were Jacob Sheep. They are so excited to have their first "Jacobs".  I know you are an ethical breeder and are familiar with other exotic sheep breeds and know that your Jacobs are Jacobs.  But there sure are a bunch of breeders out there selling any sort of spotted/no horns or four horned/no spots sheep as a Jacob Sheep. I think the JSBA standard online might help prospective buyers make more informed decisions. 

I really like the idea of having the breed characteristics posted somewhere during MSWF.

Linda


 
www.patchworkfibers.com
Registered Jacob Sheep, Angora Rabbits, Handspun Yarn



> I agree, not only JSBA, but all of the other registries would

> refuse to reject just for these characteristics.  But this brings

> up another point that I think we sometimes forget.  There are a lot

> of Jacob Sheep and Sheppard's out there that do not have any

> connection to any registry.  Their idea of a breed standard is

> often just a personal preference.   My suspicion is that the person

> making these remarks knows something about Jacobs and has seen some

> in the past.  I also suspect that the ones he is familiar with had

> knee patches.  Thereby making them the pure ones.  If my suspicions

> are correct, then this man had the most dangerous of all

> commodities...a little knowledge.

> I like the idea of having a sign on the gate stating the breed

> characteristics and history.  A little education can turn an

> unfortunate event into a very positive memory.

>> ----- Original Message -----

>> From: Marguerite Van Beek

>> To: Mark Essen

>> Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 11:06 AM

>> Subject: Re: [Jacob-list] Opinion regarding "true Jacob"

>>

>>

>> Mark

>>

>> I agree.  I hold no grunge on him.  I just want to know where do

>> they get these idea's from.  It is not in the JSBA breed

>> standards nor anywhere else.  Would you not agree.

>>

>> Peggy

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