California Red
The California Red was developed in 1970. It is a cross between Barbados and Tunis sheep. Considered medium-sized sheep, mature rams weigh 225 to 250 pounds and ewes range from 130 to 150 pounds. Both sexes are naturally hornless. Lambs are born a solid rust or cinnamon red color, a color that is retained as they mature.
At maturity, the fleeces turn a beige or oatmeal color. The legs and faces are free of wool with long pendulous ears which emphasize the animal's appearance. The wool is silky in texture and has found a specialty market with hand spinners and weavers. Year-round breeding is another charactertistic of the breed.
Breed categories: medium wool, meat