About Icelandic Sheep
Breed History
The modern day Icelandic sheep has changed very little from those brought to
Iceland by the Viking settlers over 1100 years ago. They are possibly the
oldest and purest breed of domestic sheep in the world today. They are a
medium-sized and beautiful mountain breed with a dual coat and multiple uses.
For centuries they have been used for their milk, warm fibers and tasty lean
meat. They are of the North European Short Tailed type (no need to dock tails)
and are related to the Romanov, Finnsheep and Shetland sheep. They come
in many color and pattern combinations, and horns are acceptable in both
sexes. It is uncommon but not rare to find 4-horned sheep in Iceland as well.
Modern Iceland
Today, sheep farmers in Iceland allow their herds to roam the mountains
during the warmer months and round them up in the fall for breeding and
shearing. They spend the winter and spring close to the farms, and are
released back to the mountains shortly after lambing, and another shearing.
White wool brings more money in Iceland than colored wool due to the endless
possibilities for dyeing. Horns are less desirable due to the possibility of
lambing difficulties. However, there are farmers that raise horned and colored
sheep, and find a market with fiber enthusiasts, and foreign sheep-farmers
interested in Icelandic Sheep semen.
Icelandic Sheep in North America
The first Icelandic sheep brought to North America, arrived at Yeoman Farm in
Ontario, Canada in 1985. Since then, small farmers across Canada and the
US have fallen in love with Icelandic Sheep. Many are raised on small farms by
loving shepherds and shepherdesses.
The modern day Icelandic sheep has changed very little from those brought to
Iceland by the Viking settlers over 1100 years ago. They are possibly the
oldest and purest breed of domestic sheep in the world today. They are a
medium-sized and beautiful mountain breed with a dual coat and multiple uses.
For centuries they have been used for their milk, warm fibers and tasty lean
meat. They are of the North European Short Tailed type (no need to dock tails)
and are related to the Romanov, Finnsheep and Shetland sheep. They come
in many color and pattern combinations, and horns are acceptable in both
sexes. It is uncommon but not rare to find 4-horned sheep in Iceland as well.
Modern Iceland
Today, sheep farmers in Iceland allow their herds to roam the mountains
during the warmer months and round them up in the fall for breeding and
shearing. They spend the winter and spring close to the farms, and are
released back to the mountains shortly after lambing, and another shearing.
White wool brings more money in Iceland than colored wool due to the endless
possibilities for dyeing. Horns are less desirable due to the possibility of
lambing difficulties. However, there are farmers that raise horned and colored
sheep, and find a market with fiber enthusiasts, and foreign sheep-farmers
interested in Icelandic Sheep semen.
Icelandic Sheep in North America
The first Icelandic sheep brought to North America, arrived at Yeoman Farm in
Ontario, Canada in 1985. Since then, small farmers across Canada and the
US have fallen in love with Icelandic Sheep. Many are raised on small farms by
loving shepherds and shepherdesses.