Coburg

In the 19th century this landrace sheep populated the European hilly ranges abundantly. These red fox-colored sheep could be found under names that indicated their color or living area, such as Golden Fox, Eisfelder Fox Sheep, Eifeler Sheep, Ardenais Solognotes, or Rousse Tetes. In the beginning of the 20th century, 60% of the sheep in the German Coburg area were of this landrace with the red fox-colored heads, but by World War II they were nearly extinct.

It took Otto Stritzel, a breeder and weaver from Bavaria to publicize the favorable characteristics of the Fuchsschaf, which laid the foundation for its continued existence. The Coburger Fuchsschaf is frugal, hardy, and prolific. Longevity and non-fussiness of food make it a perfect choice for keeping on rough hilly ranges. It is possible to breed them three times in two years. The specialty of the Coburger Fuchsschaf is its long wool. Lambs are born with a dark red-brown fleece that lightens at age 6-12 months

Breed categories: rare, long wool / Distribution: Europe