Long Wool Sheep BreedsWhile each of the long wool sheep breeds listed below can be raised and bred for meat production, these sheep breeds are primarily valued and raised for their wool production. These long wool breeds of sheep are selected and bred for their ability to grow lustrous fleece with a loose crimp (waviness) and long staple (fiber length) that is ideal for craftsmen and craftswomen interested in spinning wool and creating hand-knit woolen products. Many of these long wool breeds are an excellent choice for a beginner's 4-H project because they tend to be smaller than meat breeds and offer an opportunity for youngsters to learn about wool production first hand.
In the show ring an emphasis is placed on the consistency of the fleece for long wool sheep breeds. Judges will look for uniformity in crimp (waviness) and fiber diameter and preference is given to a lustrous healthy fleece. Size, muscle tone, conformation and adherence to the breed characteristics defined by that particular sheep breeder's organization are considered important, but unlike meat breeds these sheep are valued primarily for wool production. Popular Breeds of Long Wool Sheep |
Long Wool Sheep Breed Directory |
Click on any of the pictures below to learn more about each of these long wool sheep breeds (mouse over any photo to see the name of each breed):
Interested in Working With Wool? Read all About it HERE.
