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Breeds of Sheep - s
The Saeftinger sheep, a relatively recent addition to the agricultural landscape, emerged around 1986 through a deliberate crossbreeding program. The breed's unique genetic composition stems from the union of a Romanov ram with Suffolk ewes, resulting in a distinctive lineage that bears the imprint of both parental breeds. Reflecting its origins, the breed derives its name from the salt meadows where it roams and grazes, embodying a symbiotic rel ...
Sakiz sheep, prized for their carpet-grade wool, also play a significant role in meat and milk production. Indigenous to the area surrounding Izmir in Turkey, these sheep are renowned for their robust physique and adaptability to the local climate.
With their distinctive appearance, characterized by horns in males, Sakiz sheep are well-suited to the agricultural conditions of their native region. Their sturdy build and resilience make
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Saltasassi sheep originate from northern Italy, where they are recognized for their medium-small stature, with males typically measuring 60-65 cm and females around 55 cm at the withers. These sheep are primarily bred for meat production, making them an integral part of the agricultural landscape in the region.
Known for their white wool, Saltasassi sheep contribute to the local farming economy through their role in meat production. De
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Sambucana, also
known as Demontina, sheep are an indigenous Italian breed, probably descended
from Garessio sheep. They are found in southwestern Cuneo Province (Piedmont),
in the valleys of the rivers Bagni, Stura di Demonte, and, formerly, the Maira.
The elevation of the valleys is from 1.300 to 2.000 metres, with snow on the
ground four to five months of the year.
They have
yellow-white wool: about 8 percent of the breed are d
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Santa Cruz Sheep are from Santa Cruz Island, California,
USA. There is considerable uncertainty as how and when sheep got to Santa Cruz
island. It is believed that Merino, Rambouillet, and perhaps some Churro sheep
are part of their ancestry. However, it is certain that they have been feral
for the last 70 years. The Nature Conservancy acquired 88% of the island during
the 1970's and began an eradication program in 1980.
In 1
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The Santa Inês sheep, a distinctive breed hailing from the sun-kissed landscapes of Brazil, stands as a testament to the country's rich agricultural heritage. Evolving from a blend of Morada Nova, Bergamasca, and Crioula ancestry, these resilient creatures embody the culmination of centuries of selective breeding and adaptation to the diverse Brazilian terrain.
Draped in an array of colors ranging from striking reds and blacks to prist
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Sardi sheep hold a place of honor in Morocco's agricultural landscape. Their history stretches back to ancient times, when Berber tribes in the Atlas Mountains bred them for their unique characteristics. Selective breeding over centuries honed the Sardi's traits, making them perfectly suited to the harsh Moroccan climate and terrain. The breed's name, "Sardi," likely derives from the Arabic word "sard" meaning "cold," a testament to their resilie ...
The Sardinian, or Sarda, sheep are native to the island of Sardinia, although they can also be found in central Italy. These sheep have adapted remarkably well to the unique environment of Sardinia, particularly thriving on the island's karst soils.
Known for their white fleece, Sardinian sheep are primarily raised for milk production. Their milk is highly valued and is a key ingredient in the production of Pecorino Sarda cheese, a ren
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Savoiarda sheep, indigenous to the picturesque Province of Turin in Piedmont, Italy, epitomize the rugged beauty and hardiness of the local landscape. Evolved over generations to thrive in the diverse terrain encompassing plains and hills, Savoiarda sheep embody the resilience and adaptability essential for survival in this dynamic environment.
Distinctive in appearance, Savoiarda sheep are characterized by their striking coloration, w
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Originating from the picturesque province of Bolzano in northern Italy, the Schnalserschaf sheep, also known as Ultnerschaf or Val Senales, stand as a testament to the region's rich agricultural heritage. Belonging to the esteemed Alpine meat breed category, these sheep are prized for their dual-purpose nature, excelling in both meat and wool production.
Distinguished by their striking coat colors, Schnalserschaf sheep exhibit a divers
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Scotch Mule sheep are an intentionally produced crossbred sheep out of Scottish Blackface ewes and sired by Bluefaced Leicester rams. The term "mule" (when it refers to sheep) is used for an intentionally produced crossbred sheep that is sired by a Bluefaced Leicester ram. In the United Kingdom, Mule ewes are the backbone of the commercial sheep industry. The various types of Mules are the most popular commercial ewes in the UK, and the Blu ...
The Scottish Blackface, also known simply as Blackface, sheep are the most numerous of British breeds and can be found across a wide range of hill and marginal terrain throughout Great Britain and Ireland. These sheep are characterized by their horned appearance, with black or black and white faces and legs.
The fleece of the Scottish Blackface varies, ranging from short, fine wool used for carpets and tweeds to a stronger, coarser woo
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The Scottish Dunface, also known as Old Scottish Short-wool, Scottish Whiteface, or Scottish Tanface, holds a significant place in the history of sheep breeds, despite its unfortunate extinction. Originating from Scotland, these sheep were part of the Northern European short-tailed sheep group and likely resembled the sheep kept throughout the British Isles during the Iron Age.
During the mid-nineteenth century, the Scottish Dunface fa
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The Scottish Greyface sheep, a result of crossing a Border Leicester ram with a Scottish Blackface ewe, exhibits distinctive characteristics that make it a valuable breed in sheep farming.
One notable feature of the Scottish Greyface sheep is its speckled gray face, which adds to its unique appearance. Beyond their facial markings, these sheep are recognized for their well-proportioned bodies characterized by length, robustness, and ev
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Hailing from the rugged landscapes of Greece, Serrai sheep stand as formidable denizens of the pastoral realm, revered for their dual prowess in both meat and milk production. With features reminiscent of ancient Roman nobility, these sheep bear a distinctive Roman nose and a slender tail, epitomizing the timeless allure of their ancestral heritage.
The rams, adorned with majestic horns that command respect, reach a mature weight of 78
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Shetland Sheep are one of the smallest of the British sheep.
The ewes are usually hornless, and the rams have nicely-rounded horns, not too
heavy, nor too close together. Their head is well carried, their face is of
medium length with a straight nose and bright eyes, the back is straight and of
medium length.
They originated in the Shetland Isles, but is they are now
kept in many other parts of the world. They are part of the Nor
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Shetland-Cheviot sheep are a robust and versatile breed resulting from the crossbreeding of a North Country Cheviot ram with a Shetland ewe. This intentional mix harnesses the hybrid vigor, ensuring that the Shetland-Cheviot sheep inherit desirable traits from both parent breeds. Known for their hardiness, thriftiness, and milk production, these sheep embody a combination of characteristics from the Shetland and Cheviot breeds, making them well-s ...
Shropshire Sheep, renowned for their medium size and robust constitution, are prized for their agility, vigilance, and well-proportioned physique. These sheep exhibit distinctive characteristics that make them a sought-after breed in agricultural settings.
A defining feature of Shropshire Sheep is their soft black face, which adds to their striking appearance. This facial coloration is complemented by a covering of wool on the poll, co
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Skudde are nordic, short-tailed heather sheep. They originally
were from East Prussia and the Baltic States. However, today only a few small
herds can be found in these areas.
Skudde sheep have an imposing snail horn. The ewes are
hornless or carry horn stumps. In individual cases, it occurs that ewes carry
chamois-like hornlets. They are slender, rams weight between 35 and 50 kg
(77-110 lbs), and ewes weigh from 25 to 40 kg (55-
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Soay sheep are regarded as the sole remaining representatives of the diminutive, ancient sheep that once roamed the British Isles prior to the arrival of the Norsemen and Romans.
Named after the Scottish island of Soay, these sheep were first brought to North America in 1974. They are characterized by their small stature and possess a fleece that ranges in color from light to dark brown, which they naturally shed during the summer mont
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Solognote sheep, an ancient breed, owe their name to the region of Sologne in France, where they were meticulously developed during the 15th century.
By the 1850s, Solognote sheep had gained widespread popularity and recognition, leading to their exportation to various countries including Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Morocco. Renowned for their rustic nature, Solognote sheep exhibit remarkable resilience, demonstrating a robu
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Somali sheep, indigenous to the Somali region in Africa, are esteemed for their resilience and suitability for meat production in diverse agricultural settings.
Characterized by their distinct appearance, Somali sheep typically boast a white fleece with a striking black head, a defining feature that sets them apart. Notably, both male and female Somali sheep are naturally polled, contributing to their streamlined and efficient manageme
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Sopravissana sheep, primarily located in the Central Apennines and Latium of central Italy, are renowned for their fine to medium white wool and are raised for both milk and meat production. This breed traces its origins back to the 18th and early 19th centuries when it was developed through crossbreeding of Vissana sheep with Spanish Merino and Rambouillet breeds. Further enhancements to the breed occurred during the early 20th century with the ...
South African Meat Merino (SAMM) sheep were imported into
South Africa by the Department of Agriculture from 1936 to 1974 from Germany
where the Deutsche Fliesch Merino is a common meat sheep of Germany, Austria,
and Poland. In South Africa, the name was translated as Duits Vleis Merino and
then into English as German Mutton Merino. In 1974, the South African Breed
Society changed the name to the South African Mutton Merino.
When impo
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South African Mutton Merino (SAMM) sheep were imported into
South Africa by the Department of Agriculture from 1936 to 1974 from Germany
where the Deutsche Fliesch Merino is a common meat sheep of Germany, Austria,
and Poland. In South Africa, the name was translated as Duits Vleis Merino and
then into English as German Mutton Merino. In 1974, the South African Breed
Society changed the name to the South African Mutton Merino.
When im
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South Suffolk sheep are the result of a deliberate crossbreeding program between Suffolk and Southdown sheep. This fixed cross has produced a breed known for its large size and substantial meat production capabilities.
Rams of the South Suffolk breed are primarily used as terminal sires in crossbreeding programs aimed at early prime lamb production. These rams are sought after for their ability to impart desirable meat characteristics
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South Welsh Mountain sheep have been reared on the harsh
hill pastures of South Wales for centuries. Their ability to thrive where
lesser breeds have failed has ensured their predominance in the area.
They are a dual purpose breed. They are similar in
appearance to other Welsh Mountain breeds, and rams are frequently used to
improve the size and conformation of the other Welsh Mountain breeds.
When crossed wit
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Southdown Sheep are highly versatile and are valued by all types of breeders for their exceptional qualities. They are renowned for their well-fleshed, meaty build, featuring a wide, level back extending to the tail and a sturdy leg at each corner. Their dense, fine-textured wool covers their entire body down to the hocks, with small ears adorned with short wool.
One of the key attributes of Southdown Sheep is their ease of lambing, ma
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Spaelsau, also known as Spael, sheep are from Norway. They
are named for their short, nearly wool-less tail (spaelen). They originate from
old Norwegian landrace sheep. In 1912, two breeding stations were established
to prevent their extinction. Icelandic sheep were crossed onto the Spaelsau
sheep through semen import in the 1960's and 1970's. Finnsheep and Faeroe
Island sheep were also used in the breeding of Spaelsau sheep.
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Speckled-face sheep have been bred on the hills of Eppynt,
Llanafan, Abergwesyn, and Llanwrtyd Wells for over 100 years, without
introduction of female stock. On the hill, the ewes are normally purebred,
providing flock replacements, finished lambs for the meat trade, or store lambs
for finishing on lowland farms.
Beulah ewes are also idea for crossing with most continental
rams, as well as Suffolk and Down rams to produce high-qualit
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St. Augustine sheep are a cross between Dorper and St. Croix sheep. They were developed in
Florida, USA, by Ron Taber in 2000.
St. Croix, sheep have superior mothering abilities, parasite
resistance, and hardiness; while Dorpers are larger and have a heavily-muscled
frame. The result is a meat sheep cross that does well in hot, humid condition.
St. Augustine sheep are medium sized with a medium sized
frame. They are w
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The St. Croix sheep, also known as the Virgin Island White, is a distinctive hair sheep breed originating from the Virgin Islands. Its ancestry is thought to trace back to hair sheep breeds of West Africa, although some suggest a possible crossbreeding with Wiltshire Horn and native Criollo sheep. Most St. Croix sheep exhibit a white coat, often accompanied by solid tan, brown, or black coloring, or adorned with brown or black spots.
B
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Steinschaf sheep are a direct descendent of the now extinct
Zaupelschaf. They have developed characteristics that made them perfect for
life in the high mountains of Eastern Alpine regions. In the beginning of the
20th century the Steinschaf still roamed the meadows of Bavaria, Germany,
especially the areas around Berchtesgaden, Traunstein, and Rosenheim. In
Austria, their range was mainly in the Salzburg area.
The original Steinschaf
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The rugged and remote landscape of Stewart Island, New Zealand, has witnessed the ebb and flow of sheep farming ventures since the late 19th century. In 1874, the island saw its first large-scale sheep farming endeavor at Scott Burn, albeit on terrain ultimately deemed unsuitable for sustained agricultural activities. However, undeterred by initial setbacks, subsequent sheep runs were established on drier and more favorable land at Island Hill an ...
Suffolk Sheep, also known as "The Black Faces," are a breed renowned for their exceptional growth rate, muscular build, and high-quality meat production. Originating from England, Suffolk Sheep were developed in the early 19th century, primarily in the counties of Suffolk and Norfolk.
These sheep are prized for their remarkable adaptability to various climates and management systems, making them popular among farmers and ranchers world
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In 1977, Dr. Ewan Roberts embarked on a pioneering breeding program at the University of New South Wales in Australia with the ambitious aim of creating a terminal sire breed of sheep that combined the desirable traits of the Suffolk breed with distinct visual characteristics. His vision was to develop a breed with the robust confirmation, structure, and rapid growth of the Suffolk, while introducing a striking white coloration on the head and le ...
Swaledale Sheep have a fascinating masked face: the upper part of their face is deep black but a bright silvery white surrounds the nose and eyes. The hair on their face is short and strong. They grow greyer with age. Their horns are set low, round and rather wide. Their ears are grey or silver and of medium length. Their wool is white except at the back of the head where it is mixed with part black, with a thick deep bed and curly top of m ...
The Swifter sheep, a relatively new addition to the agricultural landscape, emerged in the 1970s as a result of strategic breeding efforts by the Agricultural University in Wageningen, the Netherlands. Designed to enhance the productivity and efficiency of Dutch sheep farming, the Swifter breed has quickly gained recognition for its impressive performance in meat production.
The development of the Swifter sheep involved a deliberate cr
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Swiss Black-Brown Mountain sheep trace their origins to ancient Swiss breeds, including the Swiss Jura, Simmentaler, Saanen, Frutiger, Roux de Bagnes, and Freiburger sheep. These sheep are classified as medium-sized and are characterized by their polled nature, meaning they lack horns.
The coat of Swiss Black-Brown Mountain sheep exhibits variations in color, ranging from black to chestnut-colored or light brown. Unlike some other bree
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Swiss White Alpine sheep, renowned for their short wool and suitability for meat production, trace their origins back to Switzerland in 1936. This breed was developed through a deliberate crossbreeding program that involved mating the Swiss White Mountain with 50 to 75% Ile-de-France sheep.
The deliberate crossing of these two distinct breeds aimed to capitalize on the desirable traits exhibited by each parent breed. The Swiss White Al
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