40 Rare Sheep Breeds (A to Z List with Pictures)

Examples of rare sheep breeds include Balwen, Black Welsh Mountain Sheep, Blueface Leicester Sheep, Border Leicester, and Boreray.

Sheep farmers have long prized rare sheep breeds for their distinctive wool, flavor, and other qualities. Some of these breeds are so rare that they are only found in a few places in the world. Here we will take a look at some of the most prized rare sheep breeds.

Rare Sheep Breeds

Examples of Rare Sheep Breeds

1. Balwen

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeTywi valley in Wales

The Balwen Sheep is a Welsh breed that is prized for its fine, white wool. The wool of the Balwen is often used to make high-quality sweaters and other clothing items. The meat of the Balwen is also considered to be quite tasty, making it a popular choice for butcher shops.

2. Black Welsh Mountain Sheep

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeUnited Kingdom

The Black Welsh Mountain Sheep is a breed of sheep that is found in the United Kingdom. The wool of the Black Welsh Mountain Sheep is prized for its high quality and is often used to make sweaters and other clothing items. The meat of the Black Welsh Mountain Sheep is also considered to be quite tasty.

3. Blueface Leicester Sheep

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeUnited Kingdom

The Blueface Leicester is a British sheep breed that is known for its fine wool. The breed is named after the city of Leicester, where it was first developed. The Blueface Leicester is one of the most popular rare sheep breeds, and it is often used in crossbreeding to create other breeds. The wool of the Blueface Leicester is prized for its softness and durability.

4. Border Leicester

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeEngland and Scotland

This is a British breed that was developed in the border country between England and Scotland. They are considered a beef and mutton breed, and they have long, lustrous wool.

5. Boreray

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeScotland

The Boreray is a rare Scottish sheep breed that is known for its black wool. This breed is considered to be critically endangered, with only about 300 specimens remaining.

6. Castlemilk Moorit

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeUnited Kingdom

The Castlemilk Moorit is a rare sheep breed that is found only in the United Kingdom. This breed was developed in the early 1900s by crossing Scottish Blackface sheep with Romney Marsh sheep.

7. Clun Forest Sheep

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeEngland

The Clun Forest sheep are a rare breed that is native to the Clun Forest region of England. These sheep are known for their distinctive black and white wool, which is used to make Clun Forest cheese. The Clun Forest sheep is also known for its flavorful meat, which is said to have a gamey flavor.

8. Cotswold

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeEngland

The Cotswold is a rare breed of sheep that is native to the English county of Gloucestershire. The Cotswold is prized for its lustrous wool, which is used in the making of high-quality fabrics and clothing.

9. CVM Sheep (California Variegated Mutant)

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeAmerica

The CVM Sheep is a rare breed that was developed in California in the early 1900s. These sheep are known for their distinctive variegated fur, which comes in shades of black, white, and brown. They are also prized for their high-quality wool, which is prized by fiber artists.

10. Derbyshire Gritstone

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeEngland

This breed is found in the Derbyshire area of England. It is a hardy breed that is able to thrive in cold, wet climates. The wool of these sheep is coarse and has a high lanolin content, making it waterproof and weather-resistant.

11. Devon and Cornwall Longwool

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeEngland

This breed of sheep is found in the counties of Devon and Cornwall in England. They are known for their long, thick wool which is prized for its softness and warmth. The wool of these sheep can grow up to 18 inches long.

12. Devon Closewool

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeEngland

The Devon Closewool is a rare sheep breed that originated in Devonshire, England. This breed is prized for its fine, soft wool, which is often used for making high-quality clothing. The Devon Closewool also has a mild flavor that makes it popular for meat production.

13. Dorset Down

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeUnited Kingdom

This breed is found in the United Kingdom and is known for its fine, soft wool. The sheep are also known for their docile temperament and are popular with farmers who keep them for meat or milk production.

14. Dorset Horn

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeEngland

This sheep breed is found in the southwest of England. They are known for their horns, which can grow up to 16 inches long. The Dorset Horn breed is also prized for its excellent meat and wool.

15. Greyface Dartmoor

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeUnited Kingdom

The Greyface Dartmoor is a rare breed of sheep that is native to the British Isles. The breed gets its name from the distinct grey color of its face. The Greyface Dartmoor is prized for its wool, which is used in the production of high-quality clothing. The breed is also known for its docile personality and its ability to thrive in harsh conditions.

16. Gulf Coast Sheep

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeUnited States

The Gulf Coast sheep is a rare breed of domestic sheep that is found in the southeastern United States. It is thought to be a descendant of the Spanish Churra sheep that were brought to the New World by the early explorers and settlers. The Gulf Coast sheep is prized for its wool, which is very fine and soft.

17. Hill Radnor

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeWales

The Hill Radnor is a small, hardy breed of sheep that is native to the Welsh hills. The fleece of the Hill Radnor is white and very fine, making it ideal for spinning into yarn. The wool is also used for making high-quality felt.

18. Icelandic Sheep

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeNorway

The Icelandic sheep is a rare breed that is found in Iceland and parts of Norway. This breed is known for its long, lustrous wool, which is often used to make sweaters and other clothing items. The Icelandic sheep also has a mild flavor that makes it popular for meat production.

19. Jacob Sheep

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeUnited Kingdom

The Jacob Sheep is a rare breed that was first mentioned in the Bible. These sheep are characteristically spotted and have horns that curl around their head. They are raised mainly for their wool, which is prized for its softness and durability.

20. Karakul Sheep

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeAfrica and Asia

The Karakul is a breed of sheep that is found in parts of Africa and Asia. The wool of the Karakul is very lustrous and has a high price tag on the international wool market. The meat of the Karakul is also considered to be quite flavorful, making it a popular choice for butcher shops.

21. Leicester Longwool

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeEngland

This sheep breed is named for the English county of Leicester. The Leicester Longwool is known for its long, lustrous wool which is often used for knitting and weaving. The sheep are also known for their lean meat, which has a delicate flavor.

22. Lincoln Longwool

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeEngland

The Lincoln longwool is a breed of sheep that was developed in Lincolnshire, England. This breed has long, lustrous wool that is prized for its quality. The Lincoln longwool is also known for its excellent meat production.

23. Llanwenog

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeWales

This sheep breed is found mainly in Wales. They are known for their black faces and white bellies. Llanwenog sheep are bred mainly for meat, and they have a mild flavor that makes them a favorite of chefs.

24. Lonk

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeEngland

The Lonk is a rare sheep breed that originated in the North York Moors of England. They are known for their long, shaggy wool coats, which come in a variety of colors including black, white, and gray. Lonks are also prized for their meat, which is said to be exceptionally flavorful.

25. Manx Loaghtan

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeIsle of Man

The Manx Loaghtan is a rare breed of sheep that is native to the Isle of Man. The breed gets its name from the distinct four-horned appearance of its head. The Manx Loaghtan is prized for its wool, which is used in the production of high-quality clothing. The breed is also known for its gentle personality and its ability to thrive in harsh conditions.

26. Navajo Churro Sheep

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeNorth America

The Navajo-Churro is one of the oldest breeds of domesticated sheep in North America. They are believed to have been brought to the continent by Spanish explorers in the 1500s. The breed nearly became extinct in the early 20th century, but a handful of ranchers kept them alive. Today, there are only a few thousand Navajo Churro sheep in the world. They are prized for their fine wool, which is often used to make rugs and other textiles.

27. Norfolk Horn

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeEngland

The Norfolk Horn is a rare breed of sheep that is native to the county of Norfolk in England. The breed was once common in the area, but by the early 20th century it was on the verge of extinction. Thanks to the efforts of a few dedicated breeders, the Norfolk Horn has been saved from extinction and is now enjoying a resurgence in popularity. The Norfolk Horn is a hardy breed of sheep that is well-adapted to cold climates. The sheep are known for their fine wool, which is used to make high-quality yarns and fabrics.

28. North Ronaldsay

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeScotland

This breed is found on the Orkney Islands north of Scotland. They are a small breed and are known for their short, curly wool. This wool is highly prized for its insulation qualities.

29. Ouessant Sheep

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeFrench island of Ouessant

The Ouessant Sheep is a small breed of sheep that is found on the French island of Ouessant. This breed is prized for its wool, which is very fine and soft. Ouessant Sheep are also known for their hardiness and resistance to disease.

30. Oxford Down

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeOxfordshire

The Oxford Down is a British sheep breed that was developed in the county of Oxfordshire in the early 19th century. The breed is known for its large size, good mothering ability, and high-quality wool.

31. Portland

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeEngland

One of the rarest sheep breeds in the world is the Portland, which is only found in a few parts of England. This sheep has a long, narrow head and legs, and its wool is very fine. The meat from this breed is also considered to be very flavorful.

32. Scottish Blackface Sheep

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeScotland

These sheep are found in the highlands of Scotland. They are prized for their black wool, which is often used for tweeds and other traditional Scottish clothing.

33. Shetland Sheep

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeScotland

The Shetland sheep is a small, hardy breed that originates from the Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland. These sheep are well-adapted to the harsh conditions of their native habitat, and they are known for their fine, soft wool. Shetland wool is often used in high-quality sweaters and other garments.

34. Soay

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeUnited Kingdom

Soay sheep are some of the most primitive sheep in the world. They are believed to be descendants of the wild Moorland sheep that once roamed the British Isles. Soay sheep are small and stocky, with short, coarse wool. They are found on the island of Soay off the coast of Scotland.

35. Teeswater

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeUnited Kingdom

The Teeswater sheep is a British breed that is known for its luxurious, long wool. The wool of the Teeswater sheep is often used in the production of high-quality yarns and fabrics. The Teeswater sheep is also prized for its milk, which is said to be especially rich and flavorful.

36. Torwen Badger Face Welsh Mountain Sheep

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeUnited Kingdom

This breed is found in the United Kingdom and is known for its black faces and legs. The wool from these sheep is prized for its softness and insulation properties.

37. Wensleydale

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeEngland

The Wensleydale is a large, white-faced sheep with long, lustrous wool. The breed originates from the Wensleydale region of England, where it was developed in the early 19th century. The Wensleydale is now found in many parts of the world but is still considered rare.

38. Whiteface Dartmoor

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeUnited Kingdom

The Whiteface Dartmoor is a rare sheep breed that is native to the British Isles. This sheep is prized for its wool, which is said to be some of the finest in the world. The Whiteface Dartmoor is also known for its excellent meat quality.

39. Whitefaced Woodland

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeUnited Kingdom

The Whitefaced Woodland is a rare breed of sheep that is native to the United Kingdom. It is one of the most endangered sheep breeds in the world. There are only about 500 of these sheep left in the wild. The Whitefaced Woodland is known for its distinctively white face and dark wool.

40. Wiltshire Horn Sheep

Scientific NameOvis aries
Type of AnimalMammal
RangeUnited Kingdom

The Wiltshire Horn is a rare sheep breed that is found in the United Kingdom. These sheep are known for their large horns, which can grow up to 18 inches long. They are also prized for their wool, which is thick and durable. Wiltshire Horns are a hearty breed and are able to withstand cold weather conditions.

Conclusion

Sheep are domesticated animal that is most commonly used for their wool and meat. There are many different breeds of sheep, each with its own unique qualities. Some of the more popular rare sheep breeds include the Boreray, the Manx Loaghtan, the Border Leicester, the Dorper, the Blueface Leicester, and the Shetland Sheep.

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