The Jacob Sheep Conservancy is a group of dedicated breeders and fanciers of Jacob Sheep, interested in preserving and increasing this delightful rare heritage breed. The JSC is a Breed Registry whose primary focus is the conservation of the Jacob Sheep in the United States through breeder education, research, the keeping of records and data, monitoring breed health, and providing support and service to our members. We also serve as a resource for those interested in locating a Jacob sheep breeder or Jacob products.

The JSC has the following purpose and goals:

1. To engage in the education, research, conservation, and the advancement of public awareness of the Jacob breed of sheep.
2. To register and keep pedigree records of all animals that qualify as Jacob sheep.
3. To provide interested people with information about Jacob sheep and their products.
4. To develop a breed standard which will serve to identify and register individual sheep that qualify as Jacobs.
5. To promote interest in the Jacob breed of sheep wherever possible in order to attract new breeders for the conservation and wellbeing of the breed.

The JSC Registry is based on the Progeny Test, which requires the evaluation of a particular sheep's offspring to determine its acceptability as a true Jacob sheep. This test subjectively demonstrates the genetic law that states, "like begets like." Pure Jacob sheep should produce pure Jacob sheep. These sheep are not merely sheep that "look" like Jacobs. The Progeny test insures that these sheep are a breed capable of producing offspring genetically like themselves. The organization maintains a registry of animals which have passed this evaluation.

The JSC began in 1987 when a group of Jacob breeders joined together for the purpose of conserving this breed. The JSC was incorporated in 1990 as a non-profit corporation. We operate as such with an elected Board with staggered three-year terms and annually elected Officers. Please click here to read our by-laws and our Code of Ethics.

The JSCpublishes The Journal of the Jacob Sheep Conservancy which supports the conservation and preservation of the breed, shares "Jacob tales", welcomes new members, highlights member farms, and features many reprinted and researched articles about the breed and sheep husbandry. The JSC maintains membership in the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy and officially adopted the terms and programs of the ALBC for purposes of better communicating conservation concerns. The JSC also holds membership in the  OPP Society.