We’ve separated this list of sheep breeds into five general categories:
- Meat Breeds
- Wool Breeds
- Dual Purpose Breeds
- Hair Sheep Breeds
- Minor / Rare Breeds
Meat Breeds
- Suffolk
- Texel
- Dorper
- Southdown
- Border Leicester
- Corriedale
- Shetland
- Teeswater
- North Country Cheviot
- Wiltshire Horn
Wool Breeds
American Cormo Sheep
The American Cormo Sheep is a breed of sheep that was developed in the United States from the cross-breeding of the Cormo and East Friesian breeds. The American Cormo Sheep is a medium to large-sized breed that is known for its good milk production and excellent carcass quality.
Border Leicester Sheep
The Border Leicester sheep is a breed of sheep that was developed in the United Kingdom from the cross-breeding of the Leicester and Lincoln breeds. The Border Leicester sheep is a medium to large-sized breed that is known for its good meat production and excellent carcass quality.
Coopworth Sheep
The Coopworth is a breed of sheep that was developed in New Zealand. They are a dual-purpose breed, meaning they are good for both meat and wool production. Coopworth sheep are known for their hardy disposition and good mothering skills. They are also resistant to parasites and disease, which makes them a popular choice for farmers and ranchers. The Coopworth is the result of crosses between the New Zealand Romney and the Border Leicester. They were first bred in the 1960s and have since become one of the most popular sheep breeds in New Zealand.
Cotswold Sheep
The Cotswold Sheep is a breed of sheep that is found in the Cotswolds region of England. The breed was developed from a cross between the Wiltshire Horn and the Southdown breeds. The Cotswold Sheep is a long-haired, double-coated sheep that is noted for its heavy fleece.
Debouillet Sheep
The Debouillet sheep is a breed of domestic sheep that was developed in the United States. It is a cross between the Merino and Suffolk breeds, and it is known for its high-quality wool. The Debouillet sheep has a long, narrow head with a straight profile, and its horns are small and curved.
Delaine Merino Sheep
The Delaine Merino is a sheep breed that is native to Australia. The breed was developed in the early 19th century by crossing Spanish Merino sheep with British Longwool sheep. The resulting breed was known as the Delaine Merino, and it quickly became popular among Australian farmers due to its ability to thrive in harsh conditions.
Lincoln Sheep
The Lincoln Sheep is a breed of sheep that was developed in the United Kingdom. It is a cross between the Leicester and Lincolnshire breeds, and it is known for its good meat production and excellent carcass quality. The Lincoln Sheep is a medium to large-sized breed with a long, narrow head and small, curved horns.
Perendale Sheep
Perendale sheep are a dual-purpose breed of domestic sheep originating from New Zealand. The breed was developed in the 1930s by crossing Icelandic and Romney ewes with a Cheviot ram. Perendale sheep are versatile and can be used for both wool and meat production. The fleece is medium in length and density.
Rambouillet Sheep
Rambouillet sheep are a French breed of sheep that are known for their high-quality wool. The wool is often used in high-end garments and products. These sheep are also good for meat production.
Romney Sheep
The Romney sheep is a breed of sheep that is known for its wool. The wool from a Romney sheep is long and lustrous, and it is often used to make sweaters, blankets, and other items of clothing. Romney sheep are also known for their gentle disposition, which makes them a good choice for people who are new to raising sheep. Romney sheep are native to the United Kingdom, and they were first brought to the United States in the early 1900s. Today, Romney sheep can be found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
Wensleydale Sheep
The Wensleydale sheep is another breed of sheep that is known for its wool. The wool from a Wensleydale sheep is long and lustrous, and it is often used to make sweaters, blankets, and other items of clothing. Wensleydale sheep are also known for their gentle disposition, which makes them a good choice for people who are new to raising sheep.
Hair Breeds
- American Blackbelly Sheep
- Barbados Blackbelly Sheep
- California Red Sheep
- Dorper Sheep
- Katahdin Sheep
- Mouflon Sheep
- Romanov Sheep
- Royal White Sheep
- St Croix Sheep