Gotland

Gotland sheep were first established on the large Baltic island of Gotland, off the east coast of Sweden. The Vikings brought Karakul and Romanov sheep back from Russia and crossed them with native landrace sheep, such as the Gute. Gotlands are polled. They have short, hair-tipped tails and do not require crutching.

Lambs are born black and grow quickly, many turning to grey as they mature. Gotlands produce a quick growing, lustrous, colored, curly fleece of medium micron. The Gotland is found throughout Sweden where it is kept for its pelt and meat production. The breed was recently established in the United States via artificial insemination.

Breed categories: fur, primitive / Distribution: Europe, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, North America