The Santa Cruz is an extremely rare breed that once existed as a feral sheep on the Santa Cruz Island of the Channel Islands of California. Sometimes, they are introduced into a flock to improve milk production. Karakuls were first introduced to the US during the early 1900's. Dorsets are an all-white sheep, medium in size. Ewes are either polled or horned. Semen importations from France in 2017 will freshen the Lacaune gene pool in the US. It is native to Central Asia. The foundation of the breed was a cross of Rambouillet rams to Lincoln ewes. The North American Clun Forest Association discourages showing, preferring to stress the performance aspects of the breed. ", [COLORED] The breed gets its name from its deep blue skin: white hairs on black skin. of Animal Science, archived from the original on 2007-12-14 Katahdins excel in maternal and fitness traits, including parasite resistance. Suffolk ewe (Alberta). The Teeswater was crossed with the English Leicester to yield to Wensleydale breed. Some Jacob and Navajo Churro influence was used to create multi-horned animals. They produce medium wool, free from dark fibers. It was developed from the Spanish Merino in France and Germany and imported into the US in the 1800's. It is the predominant breed in New Zealand. The Shropshire breed originated in central western England, likely from crosses between native blackface sheep and the Southdown, Leicester, and Cotsold. It is the result of crossing hair sheep from the Caribbean with various British breeds, especially the Suffolk. [MEDIUM WOOL]. Finns are related to other Scandinavian short-tailed breeds. Member clubs of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognize three separate breeds based on the type and color of the hair. In South Africa, the mastiff earned his name by defending homesteads from wild animals. They are a hardy sheep, best adapted to range conditions. It is of the Northern European short-tailed group of sheep, having a short, fluke-like tail that is not docked. In England, the crossbred progeny of the Bluefaced Leicester are called Mules. It is the term used for a badger faced pattern. Like its British counterpart, the American Jacob is a small, primitive breed valued for its unique features. The Montadale is a large whiteface sheep. Modern Tunis sheep are the result of combining the Middle-Eastern fat-tailed sheep imported from Tunisia, with the sheep available in America around 1799, making them one of the oldest US sheep breeds. St. Croix Kerry Hill is a British breed that originated in a region near the Welsh/English border. The Texel originated on the Isle of Texel off the coast of the Netherlands early in the 19th century. Poodles shine in the glamour of the show ring, but they also work as guide dogs for the blind and police dogs. Hampshire It was imported into the US in the 1820's. [MEDIUM WOOL] Romneys were first imported into the US in 1904. The Dorper Sheep Society of Australia inc (DSSA) was established soon after the introduction of Dorpers to Australia in 1996. The St. Augustine is a relatively new breed of a hair sheep. The breed possesses characteristics which make them suitable as either a sire or dam breed. The Gotland takes its name from the Swedish Island of Gotland where it originated. One of the most common hair sheep breeds, the Barbados Blackbelly is a sheep breed with much-disputed origins. Similar to the Booroola Merino, a gene has been found in the Icelandic breed which causes high levels of reproduction. The Katahdin is an American breed of hair sheep developed in the 1950's on the Piel farm in Maine. The American Coopworth Registry is the only registry that offers breeders a performance designation for their sheep. Florida Cracker A small amount of Southdown blood was introduced in the early development of the breed. Texel Border Leicester Panama They may be flighty when confined the small spaces. Coopworths are a medium size, dual purpose, long wool sheep. The first Blackbellies were introduced to the US in 1904. Targhee x Dorset and Rambouillet x Finnsheep crosses were mated to form a 4-breed composite that could produce two lamb crops and one wool crop per year. www.arcainc.org. It’s an uncommon dog – number 131 on the popularity list. The St. Croix was selected because of its mothering ability, parasite resistance, and hardiness. Due to their small stature, Babydolls are often promoted for vineyard and orchard grazing. Perendales were developed in the 1950's at Massey University in New Zealand. The Polypay is an outstanding maternal breed. Wiltshire Horn The breed was introduced to the US in 1831. Karakul ewes have an extended breeding season. The Livestock Conservancy categorizes the Wiltshire Horn as a "recovering" breed. Dorpers were imported into the US in the mid-1990's. www.valaisblacknosesheepsociety.org, Wensleydale They are categorized as "critical" by the Livestock Conservancy. Numerous universities have documented the parasite resistance of the Gulf Coast Native. Karakul Finnsheep or Finnish Landrace, as they are known in their native country of Finland, are one of the most prolific breeds of sheep in the world. www.usatexels.org. Despite continuing conservation efforts, the Navajo Churro is classified as "threatened" by the Livestock Conservancy. The breed has an extended breeding season. Rambouillet [COLORED] Most adult Karakuls have a double-coat. Corriedales were first brought to the US in 1914. www.countrylovin.com/ACA/ Boerboel means “farm dog” in Dutch. www.wensleydalesheep.org. Cheviots are a small breed, with a white face and bare head and legs. The Hog Island breed is classified as "critical" by the Livestock Conservancy. Cormo Santa Cruz The Wensleydale is a long wooled sheep that originated in England. The Wiltshire Horn is a very old English breed that naturally sheds its short wool and white hair coat. They produce a medium fleece that is the finest of the British breeds. Bluefaced Leicester The first Bluefaced Leicesters were imported into the United States in the early 1980's. www.sbbu.org Their fleeces turn to dark brown and gray as they get older. Racka The Awassi is a fat-tailed sheep that was originally raised by nomads in the desert. The cork screw horns protrude almost straight upward from the top of the head. Suffolk The Gotland is being established in the US via upgrading with imported semen. www.shropshires.org. Semen imports in the late 1990's added genetic diversity to US flocks. They are raised primarily as pets. Primarily, they are a polled version of the Wiltshire Horn, developed in Australia as an easy-care alternative to wooled sheep. As with other breeds of cattle and sheep in Britain, establishment followed improvements in … In 1978, the last sheep were removed from Hog Island. Dorsets, especially the horned variety, are best known for their ability to breed out-of-season. They are an early maturing breed that excels in crossbreeding programs to produce meaty lamb carcasses at a light weight and hot house lambs. A black head and white body are characteristic of the classic Dorper, while White Dorpers are completely white. Good mothers and milkers, they produce lambs with good growth and carcass quality. Because of the hairs in the wool, the wool isn't viable commercially; however, it is popular with hand spinners. The breed was developed in the 1700's by Robert Bakewell. The Polled Dorset is believed to be the result of a mutation in the Dorset flock at North Carolina State University in 1948. The Shropshire is on the Livestock Conservancy's "Watch" list. The Texel has become the dominant terminal-sire breed in Europe and is becoming increasingly popular for this purpose in the US. Kerry Hill Santa Cruz are a small, hardy sheep, most likely originating from the Merino, Rambouillet, and Churra breeds. How to Prevent and Treat Flystrike in Sheep, Coccidiosis in Sheep: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention, What to Consider When Raising Sheep and Goats Together, Katahdin Sheep: Low-Maintenance Meat and Milk Producer, 11 Sheep Birth Complications You Need to Know Before Lambing Season Starts, How to Help Your Ewes Bond with Their Lambs Effectively, 10 Common Lambing Problems and How to Deal with Them, How to Feed Sheep, What Not to Feed, Cutting Costs, and More, When to Wean Lambs and 3 Tips to Make It Easier. North Country Cheviot The first Valais Blacknose lambs were born in the US in 2018, the result of an upgrading program. Cheviots are known for their hardiness and spirit. The Jacob is a very old breed, of unknown origins. The Herdwick is a very old breed, possibly originating from Scandinavia. They also do not shed as well, sometimes leaving clumps of wool or retaining wool on their back. The Livestock Conservancy categorizes the Cotswold as "threatened.". They considered to be a dual-purpose breed. Dorset The first Teeswater semen was imported into the US in 1996. They add growth and carcass muscling to market lambs. Targhee The sheep are being preserved by several organizations, due to their relevance to American history. Shropshire The Border Cheviot originated in the Cheviot Hills, on the border between England and Scotland. North Countries are a hardy, hill breed that is raised primarily for meat. [COLORED] Importations resumed in the 1880's. Icelandics are considered to be a triple-purpose sheep: meat, wool, and milk. Australian shepherds, particularly those from working lines of the breed, are active dogs that need to be busy. They are known for producing fur pelts and fleeces for hand spinning or felting. The Romanov is one of the most prolific breeds of sheep in the world. KLTT's South African trade, on the other hand, was best described as "exploratory" at the moment and it would likely take a long time for the country to be able to supply the numbers that WA could. It was developed in the 19th century by crossing the English Leicester with Teesdale sheep. First-time dog owners might find training this dog truly challenging. Katahdin It was developed at a French Veterinary College in the 1830's by crossing the English Leicester and Rambouillet. Being bred and developed in Florida, the breed is well-adapted to hot, humid conditions and has good parasite resistance. The breed is well adapted to the range conditions of the southwestern United States. But human nature can lead us to play favorites, and with 193 registered breeds to choose from, some inevitably fall to the bottom. They are dual purpose, used for both meat and wool. They compete in all dog sports, from running the Iditarod and herding sheep to obedience and agility. Badger face (Merino) Found throughout the world, the Suffolk is a British breed, the result of crossing Southdown rams onto Norfolk ewes. As a primitive breed, Shetlands naturally shed their wool during late spring/early summer. It descends from sheep brought to the islands from West Africa during the slave era. [MEDIUM WOOL] The Lincoln is an English breed, considered to be one of the world's largest breeds of sheep. South African Meat Merino (SAMM) The Livestock Conservancy lists them as "threatened. Various farmers bred what was known as white Boer goats for a number of years in South Africa. Karakuls differ radically in conformation as compared to most US breeds. Conservation efforts are spearheaded by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation which maintains its own flock. The breed derives its name from the Targhee National Forest on which the experiment station's flock grazed in the summer. Oxford These canines have just a few known health issues: Hip Dysplasia. They are the most numerous registered breed of sheep in the US. The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) recognizes over 60 sheep breeds. Having originated from a different part of Africa, Dorpers lack the parasite resistance of other US hair breeds. So, depending on where you are in the world, you are likely to call the same dog by a different name. From its milk, France makes its famous Roquefort cheese. The Polypay is a performance-oriented breed, with good participation in the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP). Agricultural Research Council of South Africa. Rams and ewes may be horned or polled. The Wiltshire Horn's presence is documented very early in the history of the US (1600's). The Leicester Longwool (or English Leicester) is an old English breed that produces a fleece that is heavy, curly, soft handling, and lustrous, with a spiral-tipped staple. However, they are the growthiest, heaviest muscled hair breed in the US. Less common breeds are categorized by the Livestock Conservancy, whose mission is "to protect endangered livestock and poultry breeds from extinction.". Rambouillet ewes have an extended breeding season, [FINE WOOL] Basenji. The fleece of adult animals is double-coated and not well suited to commercial markets. It is a mastiff type, strong and muscular in appearance, and can weigh up to 200 pounds. East Friesian Rams are usually horned. Debouillet In the US, it has become common to cross the Lacaune with the East Friesian for dairying. Archived from the original on 2011-07-16; Desilva, Udaya; Fitch, Jerry (1995), "Bleu du Maine", Breeds of Livestock, Oklahoma State University Dept. SAMMS were introduced into the US via embryos in 1999. Most lambs are born coal black, with lustrous wavy curls. Border collies are ideal fits for owners with active lifestyles. With sheep meat sales on the rise in North America, it’s essential that you familiarize yourself with the best hair sheep breeds. Black Welsh Mountain The Debouillet was developed in New Mexico in 1920 from Delaine Merino x Rambouillet crosses. Tunis ewes have an extended breeding season. Its main use is for felting and carpets. Romney Polypays are a medium-sized, prolific breed with an extended breeding season. Like other primitive breeds, they are extremely hardy. The Shropshire is raised primarily for meat, with its primary role being that of terminal sire. Lincolns were first brought to the United States in the 1800's, where they contributed to the development of several commercially-important American breeds including the Columbia and Targhee. Clun Forest Though not in the top six registered breeds, the Rambouillet is probably the most influencial breed in the US, as it forms the basis of most western range flocks. Meat goat production, like any other animal production enterprise, requires that good husbandry practices be followed in the areas of sanitation, health, feed, water, and shelter. Teeswater In addition to having outstanding reproductive capabilities, the breed is considered to be the most parasite resistant breed in the US. Hampshire sheep were developed in Southern England by the mingling of various breeds, including Old Hampshire, Berkshire Knot, Wiltshire Horn, Southdown, and Cotswold. Their wool has the finest diameter of any of the long wool breeds. They are perfect as companions and playmates for children and are kind and loyal to their family members. They were developed in the 30's and 40's by crossing Horned Dorset rams with Persian Blackheaded ewes. This time from South Africa. The first semen was imported in 2003. The crossbreds are much hardier than the purebreds, whose lambs are prone to pneumonia. Their long, curly, lustrous wool is popular with hand spinners. Ewes and rams can be polled or horned. It originated in Russia's Volga Valley. Their fleeces are heavy, long, and lustrous. Developed in the early 1900's, the Romeldale is a cross between the Romney and Rambouillet. Herdwick rams sport horns, while ewes are polled. The Icelandic is one of the world's oldest and purest breeds of sheep, boasting an 1100-year history. Their fleece is dual-coated and comes in a range of colors. Geography: Nucleus Exlana flocks continue to be found in South West England, but the breed is now known about throughout the UK and attracts attention from producers in many places. ", [LONG WOOL] The wool is the basis of the famous Navajo carpets. www.teeswatersheep.org. Friesians are raised as either purebreds or crossbreds on US dairy sheep operations. Corriedales were developed in the 1800's almost simultaneously in Australia and New Zealand. The breed's mix is 40% Finnish Landrace, 20% Suffolk, 14% East Friesian, 9% Shropshire, and 8% Dorset Horn. Since that time the DSSA has managed and maintained a registry of pedigree and breeding information for both sires and dams, maintaining high genetic integrity. The Targhee is a dual-purpose sheep with good meat type and a heavy fleece of high quality wool. California Reds originated in California in the 1970's. The first North Country Cheviots were imported into North America in 1944, where they are favored by shepherds looking for sheep that can take care of themselves. Texel-sired lambs show an advantage of one full leg score in breed comparisons. The most striking features of the Jacob are its four horns, two vertical center horns and two side horns curling alongside of the head, and its spotted black and white fleece. The Livestock Conservancy categorizes the Leicester Longwool as "threatened. Barbados Blackbelly The American Blackbelly is the result of crossing the Barbados Blackbelly with the Mouflon and Rambouillet, primarily to produce rams for trophy hunting. Lacaune The Karakul is probably one of the world's oldest breeds of sheep. The Dorper is a South African breed of hair sheep. "Indigenous Sheep Breeds of South Africa". Left alone and confined, they become unhappy and can be destructive. They produce a carpet quality wool that is double-coated. Valais Blacknose [FINE WOOL] Southdown There are two recognized Dorper varieties. They have a fat or broad-tail, though the size of their tail varies among individuals. Cotswold It goes without saying that the Dorper is one of the most popular sheep breeds in South Africa. Hog Island sheep vary in physical appearance. The East Friesian is considered to be the world's highest producing dairy sheep. They’re intimidating, confident and territorial dogs. Apart from being some of the strongest dogs, they’re one of the healthiest breeds, too. Delaine Merino The Booroola gene can be transferred to other breeds. [MEDIUM WOOL] They are known for their long, purled locks, with a staple length of 8 to 12 inches. Kerry Hill semen was imported into the US in 2006. Although some people believe these sheep originated in Africa, others think they are from Barbados. The remaining 9% consists of Border Leicester, North Country Cheviot, Romnelet (Rambouillet x Romney), and Corriedale. Charollais It is the most popular sire of market lambs and one of the preferred breeds for producing club lambs. Hampshires were first imported into the US in the 1860's, but many of the flocks were scattered or destroyed during the Civil War. www.u-s-s-a.org. The Boerboel is a giant-sized purebred from South Africa, bred originally to be a farm dog where it was used as a watch and guard dog amongst other things. The Rambouillet is a large, rugged breed, of medium growth, and good longevity. It is described as smooth bodied and free from wrinkles. Their most common use is as a terminal sire to produce crossbred offspring whose carcasses yield a high percentage of boneless, retail cuts. The white Savanna goat breed was developed from indigenous goats of South Africa. Icelandic Romneys can be white or colored. Its fleece is the heaviest, longest-stapled and most lustrous of any breed in the world. California Red Common in large to giant breeds, hip dysplasia ranks first in a Kangal dog’s health issues to watch out for. Suffolks are one of the largest breeds in the US. It is a large sheep with long-stapled, lustrous wool that falls in long ringlets almost to ground level in unshorn sheep. www.cormosheep.com It is not known when the Border Leicester was first imported into the US, but the 1920 census lists them. Herdwick Mule ewes make up more than half of England's crossbred ewe population. The Targhee is an American breed of sheep, developed in 1926 at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho, from Rambouillet, Columbia and Corriedale crosses. The breed is extremely hardy and well-adapted to poor feeding conditions. The Booroola Merino is a strain of Merino that has a very high rate of multiple births. Purebred Romanov lambs are born pure black and lighten to a soft, silver gray as they make their fleece. Importations in the 1990's freshened the genetic base. www.blackbellysheep.org. The Cotswold is a dual-purpose, long wool breed that originated in the Cotswold Hills in England. American Blackbelly Typical litter sizes are 3 to 4 lambs. Both sexes have spiral shaped twisted horns. They produce medium wool and desirable carcasses at light weights. The Shetland is a very old breed, having originated over 1000 years ago. What Is the CDT Vaccine and Why Is It Important for Sheep and Goats? First introduced to the US in the 1980's, the primary use of the Romanov is the production of crossbred ewes, 1/4 and 1/2 blood ewes that are put on a terminal sire. The breed was first imported into the US in 1970. Navajo Churro The Katahdin is a performance-oriented breed, with good participation in the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP). www.shetland-sheep.org. Barbados Blackbelly (US), Hampshire www.royalwhitesheep.biz. Others were brought with early explorers and help to establish commerce in the American colonies. The Border Leicester is a dual-purpose, long wooled sheep that originated in England. [MEDIUM WOOL] www.oldeenglishbabydollregistry.com. The Black Welsh Mountain is a small sheep that produces a dense, completely black fleece. Visit our Poultry farm for the best bantams and budgies in SA. Boerboels have a height of about 27 inches and higher and can weigh up to 220 lbs. They are a small, athletic sheep that resemble a gazelle in appearance. Crossbred Friesians were introduced to the US in 1993; the first purebreds arrived in 1994. It produces a medium grade wool. California Variegated Mutant Perendale The best Russian shepherds are those very old Russian breeds of dogs that were designed for working and herding sheep many centuries ago, i.e. www.karakulsheep.com. Lambs are born red and lighten as they mature. They are a medium sized, deep bodied, hornless sheep. Well know for our established chicken farms and chicken / poultry equipment and supplies. The first Coopworths were imported into the US in the 1970's, and while they are the second most common breed in New Zealand, in the US they are raised mostly for their wool. The Livestock Conservancy lists the Tunis breed under its "watch" category. The boerboel was developed as a farm dog in South Africa. Merinos were developed in Spain during the 12th century, but not introduced to the US until the early 1800's. The homozygous genotype results in ovulation rates of 5 or more while the heterozygous genotype produces ovulation rates of 3 or more. They are of the Northern European short-tailed variety of sheep. They are prolific, averaging over two lambs per lambing. In the US, the Ile de France is increasingly being used for commercial lamb production. Stay tuned for the first newsletter in the morning, straight to your inbox. Panamas produce a medium, long-stapled fleece. The Dorper sheep is well known for its ability to adapt and survive in a variety of climatic and grazing conditions. dorsets.homestead.com Finnsheep It originated in the Friesian area of Germany and Holland, the same area as the Holstein, the world's highest producing dairy cow. While originally developed for range conditions, the Columbia has proved adaptable to conditions throughout the US. They were imported into the United States in 1838. The Awassi crossed with the East Friesian is called an Assaf. They were developed as an easy-care breed. ... #Q What are the best large dog breeds for families. The pelts of Karakul lambs were historically referred to as Persian lambskin. blackwelsh.org. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a versatile hunting breed from South Africa. www.southdownsheep.org It is not known if many purebred Panama sheep remain. www.leicesterlongwool.org, Lincoln Budgies 2 Bantams are breeders, suppliers, wholesalers of Poultry in South Africa, Gauteng, Pretoria. Modern Tunis sheep are the result of combining the Middle-Eastern fat-tailed sheep imported from Tunisia, with the sheep available in America around 1799, making them one of the oldest US sheep breeds. www.valaisblacknose.org The Rideau Arcott excels in reproductive traits: early puberty, prolificacy, and an extended breeding season. In the US, it is raised primarily for wool. For livestock and poultry for sale in South Africa in South Africa and nearby areas, browse the large and varied collection of offerings featured on Gumtree's local classifieds. The Coopworth was developed at Lincoln University in New Zealand to increase the lambing percentages of Romney ewes when mated to Border Leicester rams. The Romeldale/CVM is categorized as "critical" by the Livestock Conservancy. They are a medium to large sized breed with black faces and legs. It was developed at a research center for the purpose of developing a sheep that reproduced rapidly and could be used for research purposes. There’s a huge market demand for high-quality lamb in particular, and even if you don’t plan on selling any of the meat you raise, there are so many good reasons to consider raising one of these top breeds. Rams are polled, but usually have manes. www.countrylovin.com/ARSBA/, Rideau Arcott The breed, which originated as a hunting dog in Central Africa, is also known as "the barkless" dog, as they emit a yodel-like sound (commonly called a "baroo") instead of a traditional bark. For now, feel free to continue reading. Gulf Coast Native Found throughout Australia, South Africa, South America, and the western United States, most sheep of this type are Merino or trace their ancestry to the Merino. Corriedale It was developed in the 1990's by Ron & Ruth Tabor. The Livestock Conservancy categorizes the Black Welsh Mountain as "threatened. They have a colored fleece, which is due to a dominant black gene. As with other landrace breeds, they are relatively small. They are considered to be the hardiest of Britain's hill sheep. Tunis Border Cheviot Because Florida Crackers are a landrace (unimproved) breed, they vary in size and appearance. The Montadale is an American breed of sheep developed by E.H. Mattingly in the 1930's. The Wiltipoll is a hair sheep that was developed mostly from the Wiltshire Horn, with an infusion of various wooled breeds including Border Leicester, Perendale, Poll Dorset, and Poll Merino. [MEDIUM WOOL] [MEDIUM WOOL] The Delaine Merino is the type of Merino sheep found predominantly in the US. Their head and legs are solid tan to cinnamon red in color. Today, it is the highest milk-producing breed in the Middle East. The breed is widely used in the Canadian sheep industry and was imported into the US in the 1990's. Soay This tall and thick coated dog was bred to fight wolves and protect flocks of sheep in the mountainous Caucasus region. In 2008, the first Herdwick semen was introduced to the US. In the 1700's, a flock of sheep (originating from British breeds of the era) was established on Virginia's barrier islands. Scottish Blackfaces are horned in both sexes and as their name suggests, they have a black face, sometimes with white markings. The breed is most valued for its unique appearance which involves black parts of the nose, eyes, ears, front knees, hocks, and feet in an otherwise white body.