About Shetland Sheep

Characteristics of the Breed

Shetland sheep are part of the Northern European short tailed group. Their tails are naturally short and fluke shaped and do not require docking.

Shetlands are considered to be a primitive or ‘unimproved’ breed. They have evolved, naturally, into a hardy breed that is able to survive, thrive, and procreate with little intervention. Although they are small and relatively slow-growing, they are also thrifty, adaptable and long-lived. Ewes generally twin, and sometimes have triplets. They rarely have difficulty with lambing or with rearing their young.

Shetlands are one of the smallest of the British sheep. Ewes weigh between 35 and 40 Kg (75 and 100 pounds), while rams range between 40 and 50 Kg (90 and 125 pounds). Rams usually have beautiful spiral horns, whereas ewes are generally polled. They are fine-boned and agile.

Shetlands are a calm, docile and easy to manage breed. They have distinctive personalities. Most respond well to attention and some will wag their tails when petted.

Why Choose Shetlands

• Shetlands are a manageable size
• They are easy lambers
• They are easy keepers, requiring less food and acreage than larger breeds
• They have the potential for a good economic return due to the high prices paid for fleeces and the delicacy of their meat
• They are fun to be around with great ‘personalities’ and wonderful dispositions
• There is a growing demand for breeding stock

Shetlands for Dual Purpose

Shetlands come in a range of colours ... black, and varying shades of grey (shaela, emsket, grey, and light grey) ... varying shades of brown including dark brown, moorit (red brown), mioget (gold brown), fawn (taupe brown), musket (light brown) ... and white. Frequently, there will be a blending of tones within the fleece on the same animal. There are three main fleece types that go by various names, but all fleeces fall into three basic categories ... primitive (double coated and long, frequently with a soft outer coat as well as a silky inner coat) ... long and wavy (the most common) ... and kindly (short, downy and crimpy). Each type of fleece has advantages and uses. Frequently two, or even all three types of fleece are blended and used together. As a result of the variety in colour and the different fleece types, Shetland fleeces and fibre are highly sought after by hand-spinners and weavers, who eagerly pay premium prices for the product.

Besides their value as producers of fleece and fibre, Shetlands are also rasied for their meat. Frequently, an early maturing terminal sire (Ryeland, Dorset, etc) is used to produce more traditional market lambs, but, purebred Shetland meat is considered a delicacy and fits well with modern trends toward leaner meat. Their smaller carcasses are also much easier to market for the ‘locker lamb’ market, as they are a better size for most families today.