{"id":228,"date":"2021-12-24T09:40:12","date_gmt":"2021-12-24T08:40:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/?p=8013"},"modified":"2021-12-24T10:17:14","modified_gmt":"2021-12-24T09:17:14","slug":"british-sheep-breeds-and-how-to-recognise-them","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/british-sheep-breeds-and-how-to-recognise-them\/","title":{"rendered":"British sheep breeds and how to recognise them"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Hollie Crawshaw\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Friday, 24 December 2021 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Did you know that\u00a0there are an estimated one billion sheep worldwide? According to the National Sheep Association, the UK is home to 3% of this global flock, equating to an astonishing 33. 3 million sheep (2015).<\/p>\n

With numbers in such abundance, it\u2019s no surprise that, alongside cows<\/a>, birds<\/a> and flitting butterflies<\/a>, sheep hold a firm spot in the quintessential image of the British countryside. Lush rolling hills, doted with fluffy white flecks of bleating wool.<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s not just the grassy hills that are home to Britain\u2019s sheep, and not all sheep are white and fluffy. There are many different breeds in the UK, varying in colour, stature and behaviour, and these breeds can be found in range of habitats, from lowland valleys and plains to high hills and mountains.<\/p>\n

So what are the most common breeds in the UK and how can you recognise them?<\/p>\n

How many sheep breeds are there in the UK?<\/h2>\n

According to the National Sheep Association<\/a>, there are roughly 90 breeds of sheep in the UK, ranging from hill and upland breeds to lowland breeds.<\/p>\n

Most common UK sheep breeds<\/h2>\n

Welsh Mountain<\/h3>\n
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The Welsh mountain sheep is one of the oldest breeds in the world\/Credit: The Photolibrary Wales, Alamy<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Here is a breed with vigour. Liveness in abundance. This Welsh sheep is one of the oldest breeds in the world. Tiny with a huge and impressive fleece. They cover the may valleys and hillsides of beautiful Wales. Literary references to the breed back in the 14th\u00a0<\/sup>and 15th\u00a0<\/sup>centuries describe a breed very much as we see it today. They make fantastic mothers and are able to endure all manner of rain, wind and snow. White faces, often mottled with pale tan. Their fleeces are thick and full, a ready source of durable wool. They are smaller of stature but gallant and bold, protective of their young and famed for their milk, this is breed for the great outdoors and most likely spotted on a long hike than a wander down a country lane.<\/p>\n

Jacob<\/h3>\n
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Jacob sheep are\u00a0alert and sharp witted\/Credit: Nik Taylor Wildlife, Alamy<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Here is a breed fit for any beauty contest. The Jacob has impressive posture, is alert and sharp witted. Its piebald and dense fleece and the accoutrement of frankly not insubstantial horns (Jacobs are always horned) makes for a rather splendid breed. Amusingly this proud breed is often mistaken for a goat, but they are very much ovine. Its name has biblical origins (Jacob kept pied sheep) and the breed has a kindly nature, the historic Jacob was once a minority breed, its popularity has since boomed. A sign of increased interest in conservation perhaps.<\/p>\n

Hebridean<\/h3>\n
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Hebridean black sheep have a\u00a0dense black fleece crimped and layered so they can stave off the rain\/Credit: Mike Lane, Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Scotland the Brave, this little sheep is small in stature but bold in spirit. A breed largely unaltered since medieval times (and before!). Often horned (attractive curled horns), this ancient breed rose to popularity in the 19th\u00a0<\/sup>century because of its diminutive and attractive appearance. They are conscientious grazers and thrive in the wild. Seen scattered across the broad terrain of the north and their native Scotland but also popular in other mountainous areas. They are also made use of for conservation grazing. A dense black fleece crimped and layered so they can stave off the rain and keep warm. The have tiny feet, like goats are adept at climbing steep hillsides and clearing stone walls! Small, pointed faces with a look of concentration. A truly traditional breed and mercifully, very popular.<\/p>\n

The Bluefaced Leicester<\/h3>\n
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Bluefaced Leicester sheep are well-known for their friendly disposition\/Credit: Wayne Hutchinson, Alamy<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

As handsome as it is now famous. Tall, large of stature, alert with a proud Roman Nose with large prominent ears. They have broad-shoulders and a strong stance. Well-known for their friendly disposition, they can be high maintenance by their nature but are curious and full of personality. This breed is the main component of the \u2018Mule. Crossing others breeds with a Bluefaced Leicester has meant its now found in most corners of the UK, and perhaps it has been the saviour of this Eighteenth Century breed.<\/p>\n

Texel<\/h3>\n
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Texel sheep are one\u00a0of the most distinct looking breeds\/Credit: Blick Winkel, Alamy<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Arguable one of the most distinct looking breeds. Its broad head and stocky stature make them rather endearing appearance. Easy going and curious, they can endure most weather and are inclined to holding weight well. They are not indigenous, arriving from Holland in around 1970, this breed has hit the ground running. This uncomplicated breed is hardy and stoic and is accepted to be the second most widespread breed. Prolific and muscular, you won\u2019t have to walk far to spot one.<\/p>\n

Shropshire Sheep<\/h3>\n
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Shropshire sheep are famed for their wool\/Credit: Paul Glendell, Alamy<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The oldest registered breed of sheep. They resemble a Suffolk and at a glimpse are on occasion mistaken for such, but they have wool on their heads and as a rule a more risqu\u00e9 and punchier personality. Sparky and active, this breed is famed for its fecundity and durability. Their faces are dark brown\/black, and they have a strong and meaty physique. Famed for their wool, the fleece is thick, heavy, yet soft to the touch. Thought to be a refinement of indigenous sheep of the Shropshire and Staffordshire border, the exact origins have vagaries, but its traditional appearance has stood the test of time and looks by all counts to be straight from the scenery of a William Henry-Davis.<\/p>\n

Black Welsh Mountain<\/h3>\n
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Males black Welsh mountain sheep have horns\/Credit: The Barn Farm<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

A small sheep, the breed is long lived and has no wool on its face or legs. Males have horns but females are polled. They are also well known for their lambing ease, high fertility and good milk yield.<\/p>\n

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