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Sheep Breeds    ›    Minor Sheep Breeds    ›    Karakul

Karakul Sheep Breed Information

Karakul Sheep Breed
The Karakul is possibly the oldest domesticated sheep breed in the world. They are native to Central Asia’s deserts and feature open faces with fine bone structure. Their ears are pendulous and they have a thick tail, which stores extra nourishment and is similar in function to the hump of a camel. The Karakul can adapt to a variety of climates and very resilient animals with docile personalities. They are capable of raising sheep well and are known to live long lives. Their fleece is often white, blue, tan, silver, gray or reddish-brown in color. At birth, the lambs have a thick fleece coat that is known as “Persian Lamb Fur.” It is common for the Karakul to be double-coated and they are primarily used in wool production and are sought after by the world’s hand spinners. Though Karakul history is unknown, there is evidence of Persian Lamb Fur that dates back to 1400 B.C. They are considered as a rare breed.

Minor Breeds
  • Black Welsh Mountain
  • Blueface Leicester
  • California Variegated Mutant
  • Clun Forest
  • Gulf Coast
  • Icelandic
  • Jacob
  • Navajo-Churro
  • Scottish Blackface
  • Shetland
  • Wiltshire Horn
  • Ouessant
Back to Directory of Sheep Breeds
Karakul Sheep Breed
Karakul Sheep Breed

Karakul Breed Information

MATURE BODY WEIGHT
Ram 175-225 lb
Ewe 100-150 lb

AVERAGE FIBER DIAMETER
Micron 25-36
USDA Wool Grade 44’s-58’s

GREASE FLEECE WEIGHT
Ewe 5-10 lb

YIELD
80-85%

STAPLE LENGTH
6-12"
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