German Blackheaded Mutton

In 1850, blackheaded meat breeds, such as Leicester, Southdown, and Hampshire were imported from England into Saxony to be crossed with local breeds. Thirty years later, breeding of these sheep started more in Westfalia and Eastern Prussia than in Saxony. The Merinofleischschaf (Merino mutton sheep) was prevalent in Saxony.

Westfalia, with its high precipitation was the perfect area for the Schwarzkopf Fleischschaf, and it is still the main breeding area. German Blackheaded mutton sheep are medium-sized, white sheep that are wide and long with dark-brown to black head, ears, and legs. They grow crossbred wool with a tight and firm staple that protects them in a wet climate.

Breed category: meat, medium wool / Distribution: Europe