There is evidence that this breed has existed since the 15th Century. In 1948, the first Upper Valais Sheep Breeders Association was founded but only in 1962 did the breed become a registered breed and was included in the Swiss Sheep Breeders Association in 1964.
The Valais Blacknose is considered a rare breed with total numbers not known, but in the vicinity of 30,000 worldwide. In their native Switzerland, their existence is currently threatened by the recent return of the Wolf to the country.