Roux du Valais
The name Roux du Valais refers to a red-coated Swiss Alpine sheep associated with the canton of Valais. It is part of the older Valais mountain-sheep tradition, with reddish brown coloring across the fleece and face rather than the black facial pattern of the Valais Blacknose. Many animals are horned, with a sturdy body and a long fleece suited to a mountain climate. As with several Alpine landrace types, local selection favored sheep that could move over steep summer pasture and cope with abrupt weather.
Today the breed is mainly kept in small pedigree and conservation flocks, sometimes alongside other rare Swiss sheep. Management centers on grazing quality, winter forage, and maintaining genetic diversity in a limited population. Long fleeces need timely shearing, and horned sheep require pens and races that allow safe turning and restraint. Buyers should be clear whether they are seeking Roux du Valais specifically, because names for Valais sheep can be confused in English-language listings.
