Shetland

Shetlands are a long-lived, hardy, hill type sheep which evolved in relative isolation on the Shetland Islands for centuries despite harsh weather conditions and sparse forage. Shetlands are considered a primitive or unimproved breed and are excellent browsers, they are active and alert, yet easy to handle. They are small and fine boned, belonging to the Northern European short (fluke) tailed sheep group. Rams typically have large spiraling horns with the ewes normally polled. Shetland ewes are increasingly being cross-bred with the North County Cheviot in the UK (Shetland-Cheviot) and in the USA with the Bluefaced Leicester (Shetland Mules), for improved carcass traits in the progeny.

Avg. lambing percentage: 200%

Avg. ram weight: 110 lbs.

Avg. ewe weight: 80 lbs.

Wool:

• Fine - Single and Double coated
• White and Natural colors
• 2 - 4” staple length (single coated)
• 6 – 10” staple length (double coated)
• Count: 50’s – 60’s

USA-   North American Shetland Sheepbreeders Association  
            Website:www.shetland-sheep.org

UK-    Shetland Sheep Society
           Website:www.shetland-sheep.org.uk