Animals

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Shetland is one of the smallest British breeds. The ewes are usually polled (hornless) and the rams are usually horned, although horned ewes and polled rams do occur occasionally. They are small-bodied animals, with some wool on their faces, noses or legs, but not in excess like other breeds. The legs are medium length and finely-boned. They have small, erect ears. A distinguishing feature of Shetland sheep is the short, fluke-shaped tail, which is broad at the base, tapers to a point, and is covered in hair, not wool.

The Shetland breed likely descended from ancient Scandinavian sheep. Historically, only a few Shetland sheep were exported, and it was not until recently that large populations were established on the British mainland and in other countries.

The Shetland breed is especially prized for its wool, which is fine, soft, and strong. Fleeces average 2 to 4 pounds (1 - 2 kg) and vary in crimp from wavy to straight. Eleven colors and thirty color patterns are recognized in the Shetland breed. This diversity is a great asset both to the breed and to the fiber artisans who enjoy using its fleeces.

Today they are considered a heritage breed. This means that although they are small and relatively slow-growing, they maintain natural hardiness, thriftiness, easy lambing, adaptability, and longevity. Shetlands survived for centuries under harsh conditions and on a meager diet, although they do very well under less rigorous conditions.

Shetlands are unusual in that some can still naturally shed their wool, though not all. The process of removing the fleeces as they shed is called rooing in the Shetland Isles.