1. Merino
Description
The Merino sheep is known for its fine wool and is commonly used for wool production.
3 Facts
- Produces the finest wool among all sheep breeds.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
- Prone to flystrike due to skin folds.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 30 inches, Females: 28 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 250-300 lbs, Females: 175-200 lbs
- Color Patterns: White wool, white face
- Legs: White
- Face and Ears: White
- Horns: Rams often have horns, ewes are usually polled
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- Australia
- New Zealand
- South Africa
2. Suffolk
Description
The Suffolk sheep is primarily used for meat production and is known for its fast growth and high feed conversion.
3 Facts
- One of the heaviest mutton-producing breeds.
- Known for excellent maternal qualities.
- Highly resistant to parasites.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 32 inches, Females: 30 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 275-350 lbs, Females: 200-250 lbs
- Color Patterns: Black face and legs, white wool
- Legs: Black
- Face and Ears: Black
- Horns: Polled (hornless)
- Average Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
3. Texel
Description
The Texel breed is native to the Netherlands and is primarily raised for meat.
3 Facts
- Known for lean meat and high muscle yield.
- Excellent for crossbreeding to improve meat quality in other breeds.
- Late maturing compared to other meat breeds.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 28 inches, Females: 26 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 220-260 lbs, Females: 160-200 lbs
- Color Patterns: White face and wool, sometimes with dark patches around eyes
- Legs: White
- Face and Ears: White
- Horns: Polled (hornless)
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- Netherlands
- United Kingdom
- United States
4. Dorset
Description
The Dorset sheep is a dual-purpose breed, used for both meat and wool production.
3 Facts
- Can breed year-round, unlike many other sheep breeds.
- Known for good milk production.
- Generally have a calm temperament.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 29 inches, Females: 27 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 225-275 lbs, Females: 150-200 lbs
- Color Patterns: White wool, white face
- Legs: White
- Face and Ears: White
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
5. Rambouillet
Description
The Rambouillet is a dual-purpose breed, known for both its meat and fine wool.
3 Facts
- Descendant of the Spanish Merino but developed in France.
- Highly adaptable to a variety of climates.
- Excellent foragers.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 31 inches, Females: 29 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 250-300 lbs, Females: 175-200 lbs
- Color Patterns: White wool, white face
- Legs: White
- Face and Ears: White
- Horns: Rams are usually horned, ewes are polled
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United States
- France
- Canada
6. Hampshire
Description
The Hampshire sheep is primarily raised for meat and is known for its large size and rapid growth.
3 Facts
- One of the oldest breeds developed in the United States.
- Excellent feed conversion rate.
- Known for strong maternal instincts.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 33 inches, Females: 31 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 275-350 lbs, Females: 200-250 lbs
- Color Patterns: Black face and legs, white wool
- Legs: Black
- Face and Ears: Black
- Horns: Polled (hornless)
- Average Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Australia
7. Icelandic
Description
The Icelandic sheep is a northern European breed known for its wool, meat, and milk.
3 Facts
- One of the oldest and purest breeds of sheep.
- Wool has a dual coat, consisting of a coarse outer layer and a fine inner layer.
- Highly adaptable to harsh climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 28 inches, Females: 26 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 220-260 lbs, Females: 160-200 lbs
- Color Patterns: Various, including white, black, brown, and gray
- Legs: Varies
- Face and Ears: Varies
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- Iceland
- United States
- Canada
8. Romanov
Description
The Romanov sheep is a Russian breed known for its exceptional fertility.
3 Facts
- Can have up to 4-6 lambs in one birthing.
- Highly resistant to disease.
- Wool is coarse and often used for carpet making.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 25 inches, Females: 23 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 150-200 lbs, Females: 130-160 lbs
- Color Patterns: Gray or brown wool, often with a darker face
- Legs: Gray or brown
- Face and Ears: Gray or brown
- Horns: Rams are horned, ewes are usually polled
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- Russia
- France
- United States
9. Lincoln
Description
The Lincoln sheep is one of the largest breeds and is known for its long, lustrous wool.
3 Facts
- Produces the heaviest and longest fleece among all sheep breeds.
- Wool is often used in spinning and weaving.
- Known for a calm and docile temperament.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 34 inches, Females: 32 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 250-350 lbs, Females: 200-250 lbs
- Color Patterns: White wool, white face
- Legs: White
- Face and Ears: White
- Horns: Polled (hornless)
- Average Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Australia
10. Navajo-Churro
Description
The Navajo-Churro is one of the oldest sheep breeds in the Americas and is known for its coarse wool.
3 Facts
- Developed by the Navajo people.
- Highly resistant to disease.
- Wool is commonly used in rug weaving.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 30 inches, Females: 28 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 200-250 lbs, Females: 150-175 lbs
- Color Patterns: Various, including white, black, brown, and gray
- Legs: Varies
- Face and Ears: Varies
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United States
- Mexico
15. Corriedale
Description
The Corriedale is a dual-purpose breed, known for both its meat and medium to fine wool.
3 Facts
- Developed in New Zealand and Australia.
- Good mothers and generally easy to handle.
- Highly adaptable to different farming systems.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 31 inches, Females: 29 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 250-300 lbs, Females: 175-225 lbs
- Color Patterns: White wool, white face
- Legs: White
- Face and Ears: White
- Horns: Polled (hornless)
- Average Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Countries Most Popular In
- New Zealand
- Australia
- United States
16. Cheviot
Description
The Cheviot is primarily raised for meat and has a distinctive wool that is medium to coarse.
3 Facts
- Originated in the Cheviot Hills between England and Scotland.
- Known for their alert and active temperament.
- Highly adaptable to different terrains.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 30 inches, Females: 28 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 200-250 lbs, Females: 160-200 lbs
- Color Patterns: White wool, white face
- Legs: White
- Face and Ears: White
- Horns: Polled (hornless)
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Canada
17. East Friesian
Description
The East Friesian is primarily known for its high milk production.
3 Facts
- Originated in Germany.
- Holds the record for the highest milk yield among sheep breeds.
- Generally have a calm temperament.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 30 inches, Females: 28 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 220-260 lbs, Females: 180-220 lbs
- Color Patterns: White wool, white face
- Legs: White
- Face and Ears: White
- Horns: Polled (hornless)
- Average Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Countries Most Popular In
- Germany
- United States
- New Zealand
18. Finnsheep
Description
The Finnsheep is known for its high fertility and is primarily raised for meat.
3 Facts
- Originated in Finland.
- Can have up to 4-6 lambs in one birthing.
- Wool is soft and lustrous, suitable for fine garments.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 28 inches, Females: 26 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 180-220 lbs, Females: 130-180 lbs
- Color Patterns: White wool, white face
- Legs: White
- Face and Ears: White
- Horns: Polled (hornless)
- Average Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- Finland
- United States
- Canada
19. Karakul
Description
The Karakul is known for its fur, often called “Persian lamb”, and is also raised for meat.
3 Facts
- One of the oldest known sheep breeds.
- Originated in Central Asia.
- Wool is often used in rug making.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 27 inches, Females: 25 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 175-225 lbs, Females: 130-175 lbs
- Color Patterns: Various, including black, gray, and brown
- Legs: Varies
- Face and Ears: Varies
- Horns: Rams are usually horned, ewes are polled
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- Central Asia
- South Africa
- United States
20. Soay
Description
The Soay is a primitive breed known for its fine wool and meat. It is one of the smallest sheep breeds.
3 Facts
- Originated on the Soay Island in Scotland.
- Highly adaptable and can thrive in harsh conditions.
- Wool is shed naturally, no shearing required.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 24 inches, Females: 22 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 100-130 lbs, Females: 80-100 lbs
- Color Patterns: Various, including brown, black, and tan
- Legs: Varies
- Face and Ears: Varies
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United Kingdom
- United States