WELCOME TO SMOKEY VALLEY FARM
HOME OF RARE, MINIATURE AND TOY SHEEP
Richard and Michelle Shannon
113 Blake Road Toledo Washington State 98591 U.S.A.
(360) 864-6116 or e-mail : [email protected]page last updated Dec. 3, 2012
miniature sheep
Lamb Races
THE MINIATURE AND NOVELTY SHEEP BREEDERS ASSOCIATION AND REGISTRY
Rick and Michelle Shannon
113 Blake Road Toledo Wa. 98591 U.S.A.
(360) 864-6116
French Bulldog
Breeders of four Breeds of Rare, Miniature and Toy Sheep.
Lots of pictures, Information and History on each. Sales and Service.
SMOKEY VALLEY FARM
HOME OF RARE, MINIATURE AND TOY SHEEP
Rick and Michelle Shannon
113 Blake Road Toledo Wa. 98591 U.S.A.
(360) 864-6116 or e-mail : [email protected]Back to Home Page
French Bulldogs
Richard and Michelle Shannon
Interested in a Miniature or Novelty Sheep?
Ever since the first small sheep were ever born, these unique animals have survived and thrived. The
miniature industry is an exciting and personally satisfying one with a bright future. As more and more people
discover these naturally small and beautiful little sheep, their popularity and value will continue to grow. When
you purchase your first miniature sheep, you become part of that experience. And whether your goal is showing,
breeding, producing wool or just the pleasure of having a wonderful pet, your participation will be a truly
pleasurable one. A little known fact about miniatures is that their fleece tends to be of finer quality, no matter
the breed.
Miniatures have been in existence for a long time. However, their numbers have traditionally been quite
small. Due to their diminutive size, they have never been in demand in the mostly commercial market of meat
breeds or in the wool market where fleece weight per animal is nearly as important as wool quality. Many
people interested in only a spinning flock find several small sheep, give them more choices. Something they can
not get with even fewer of the larger sheep. Spinners flocks are quite popular as each sheep has its own distinct
personality and will bring you a constant source of amusement no matter the breeds of choice.
Caring for the miniature sheep is easy and can be performed safely by a person of nearly any age. Their
size enables you to hold them in your lap to trim their feet, give shots or just talk to them. You will find
yourself doing that a lot. Small children may be afraid of a standard size sheep, yet that same child will show an
eagerness to embrace a miniature adult and lovingly hug a miniature lamb. The lambs are particularly lovable
due to their very small size (at birth about 8’to10" tall) and no bigger than a quart jar with legs. Most are as
little as one to three pounds at birth. A miniature sheep for many reasons are a near perfect pet. Their
affectionate, gentle nature and small size make the miniatures an excellent friend and companion for many
years. The active life span for some breeds may be more than double the modern or larger sheep. Some produce
well into their late teens.
Working with a miniature sheep builds confidence and self-esteem, important qualities even in the adult
world. Guiding another in the proper care of a miniature encourages discipline, responsibility and respect.
Miniature sheep ownership provides a wonderful learning experience and a great sense of accomplishment for
the young and the young at heart. One of the most rewarding aspects of owning miniature sheep is the
togetherness and sharing that occurs with a family. Even older people and disabled or handicapped people no
longer as mobile as they might like to be and who cannot start or continue to manage a full sized sheep, can
enjoy a miniature in a variety of ways; be it the show ring and breeding or simply having one as a companion.
The cost of maintaining a miniature sheep can be less than half of maintaining an average large sheep.
Feeding and daily care are tasks easily learned and handled by a five or six year old child. The feeding program
is basically the same but of course, clean up detail is much, much less. Their health is as stable as a standard
size sheep. They eat the same things yet are usually better at foraging, yet appreciate hay and a cozy barn and
high quality food products as much and the next sheep. We advise having loose minerals/salts available at all
times.
When you are ready to purchase a miniature or novelty sheep, seek and find the breed(s) you are
interested in. Look for a reputable breeder who will be able to provide you with the history of the breed you
have chosen and a breed standard. A reputable breeder will be able to provide you with the information on care
and feeding and any special needs of the particular sheep breed you have chosen to acquire. They should be
willing to take the time to really talk to you as well as help you before and after the sale.
Finally, make sure the paperwork on your sheep is in order. Your sheep is only as good as the
registration paperwork behind it. So check it out thoroughly before you buy. You should receive a signed
original M.N.S.B.A.R. registration certificate. Remember, in order to be a Registered Miniature or Novelty
Sheep it must be registered and have the paperwork to prove it!!Miniature and Novelty Sheep Breeders Association and Registry (M.N.S.B.A.R.) (360) 864-6116
SMALLER FAMILY FARMS EQUAL
SMALLER ANIMALS AND A NEW WAY OF FARMING
NO ONE CAN HAVE JUST ONE!
(A story of how one can become many in no time.)
