It's been called the 'cutest sheep in the world' and we're not arguing.
One look at those faces and you can see why this breed is popping up all over the world.
It took three years and tough biosecurity arrangements to get the frozen embryos and sperm imported into Australia but now Australia's first Valais Blacknose lambs have been born.
Originally from the Swiss Alps, the Valais Blacknose have miniature Highland cow vibes - or so thinks this farmyard animal enthusiast.
Traditionally bred for meat and wool, their looks and gentle temperaments have since made them popular as pets.
They're here and they're cute and we're just wondering, are our backyards big enough?!
The breed has never been on Australian soil before, Head of Biosecurity, Andrew Tongue, from the federal agriculture department said.
"The breed has now spread to Europe, the UK, and the US, and this year the first Valais reached Australia," he said.
"Farmers and pet lovers have been interested in getting the Valais Blacknose breed into Australia for many years."
The embryos and semen were imported to Australia this year by specialist company Caprotek after it applied to the department.
Strict biosecurity arrangements had to be put in place because genetic material from sheep can pose disease risks, including scrapie - the ovine equivalent of Mad Cow disease.
"Following a long process over three years, complicated by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, the frozen embryos and semen were approved by the department and were able to make their way to Australia," Mr Tongue said.
"The importer was able to meet all biosecurity requirements to allow the import, and as you can see from the photos, the result was worth the effort."
- with AAP
Victoria Lee
The Canberra Times Journalist, Producer
The Canberra Times Journalist, Producer
