Dalmatian-like black-and-white spotted lamb born on farm near Tokyo

NARITA, Chiba -- A black-and-white spotted lamb was born in early March at a tourist farm here and has been growing steadily, with the breeding staff saying he looks like a Dalmatian or a Holstein.

The lamb was born on March 5 at Narita Dream Farm in Narita, Chiba Prefecture. His wool is a mixture of black and white, with a lot of black around the eyes and neck. His legs are all black, making him look like he is wearing socks.

According to the farm, his parents are ordinary white sheep, but a look at his lineage turned up a black great-grandmother. Daiki Nishimura, 32, an office worker from Tokyo's Setagaya Ward who visited the farm on March 28, said, "He will be very popular for his cuteness."

The farm has opened voting on the name of the lamb from three options: "Bubuchi," "Kokko," and "Suzuri." Visitors can vote until April 5.

(Japanese original by Tadakazu Nakamura, Narita Bureau)