Guide to Sheep Breeds

The breed was brought to Iceland by the Vikings more than a thousand years ago; it is possibly the oldest pure breed of sheep in the world. The ewes are heavy milk producers, good mothers and often lamb until they are 12-14 years old. They have an excellent conformation as a meat breed and fine-flavored meat.

Icelandic Sheep Breeders of North America9030 Cascade Road
Rochester, IL 62563
217-498-7522  

Jacob 

Size: small
Appearance: white with black splotches on body,; most have a badgerface (black cheeks and muzzle with a white blaze down the nose)
Horns: both sexes: two, four or six horns
Fleece: light, variable in crimp and length
Breeding: seasonal
Lambing rate: low, one or two,
Behavior: alert, almost goat-like; strong maternal instinct
Use: interest, fleece
Origin: Egypt? Spain? Scandinavia? Scotland? Many theories – few facts
Environment: widely adaptable
ALBC rating: threatened

A sheep with an intriguing look and mysterious background. Many rams have two long forward horns, and two others that curl back towards the ears. The breed is often raised as a curiosity, or for breeding stock. Typical of ancient breeds, Jacobs are hardy and rarely need assistance during lambing.

Jacob Sheep Conservancy 
25780 S. Jewell Road
Beavercreek, OR 97004
snielsen@orednet.org  

Jacob Sheep Breeders Association
83136 Rattlesnake Road
Dexter, OR 97431
541-747-6149

Karakul 

Size: medium.
Appearance: most lambs are born black and fade to silver, also red, tan, brown and gold; pendulous ears and thick fat tails
Horns: Rams
Fleece: double-coated heavy fleece; outer fleece is coarse and long (6-12 inches), inner coat is soft
Breeding: a long season, can breed three times in two years
Lambing rate: usually singles
Behavior: strong maternal instinct; aggressive foragers; strong flocking instinct
Use: lean meat; pelts for lambskins (traditionally)
Origin: deserts in Central Asia
Environment: hardy and adaptable
ALBC rating: threatened