Shetland Sheep: Qualities of the Breed
Shetland Sheep are a small, calm breed of sheep
-- ideal for a small flock!
Shetlands are one of the smallest of the British sheep.
Rams usually weigh 90 to 125 pounds and ewes about 75 to
100 pounds. Rams usually have beautiful spiral horns, whereas
the ewes are typically polled. They are fine-boned and agile
and their naturally short, fluke-shaped tails do not require
docking.
They are a calm, docile and easy-to-manage breed. Most respond
well to attention and some even wag their tails when petted!
Although Shetlands are small and relatively slow growing,
they maintain natural hardiness, thriftiness, easy lambing,
adaptability and longevity. Shetlands survived for centuries
under harsh conditions and on a meager diet, although they
do very well under less rigorous conditions. Having retained
many of their primitive survival instincts, they are easier
to care for than many of today's commercial breeds.
