About Shetland Sheep

The origin of the Shetland began over a 1,000 years ago.   It is thought that the sheep were brought to the Shetland Islands of Scotland by Viking settlers. It is speculated that the Viking sheep interbred with the primitive sheep already present on the islands.  In this harsh, isolated climate there evolved a small, very hardy, agile sheep that had an exceptionally soft, durable wool.

               Some of our primitive Shetland Sheep grazing with two of our Turkish Kangal Livestock Guardian dogs-10/07.   

Shetland's are a British breed belonging to the Northern European short-tailed group which also contains the Finnsheep, Norwegian Spaeslau, Icelandics, Romanovs, and others.  The Shetland is considered a primitive landrace breed.       

Shetland's are considered a primitive, unimproved breed. As such, although they are small and slow-growing, they maintain natural hardiness, thriftiness, easy lambing, adaptability and longevity. Shetlands have survived for centuries under harsh conditions and on a meager diet, although they do very well under less rigorous conditions. Having retained most of their primitive survival instincts, they are much easier to care for than many of today's "improved" breeds.

The Shetland is a calm, docile and easy-to-manage breed. Most respond well to attention and and easily come up to their owners. 

Even though the Shetland appears to be a small and very delicate sheep, they are intelligent, well muscled, nimble & quick, and have plenty of strength.  These factors combined make them well suited and easily adapted to less than ideal conditions.  

As well as enjoying the sunny days, Shetland's are found grazing in harsh weather.  They can be seen out in major snow storms or in the pounding rain with our Turkish Livestock Guardian dogs as can be seen by the photos below.  They are very healthy and hardy.

                                                             Our Primitive Shetlands with Inca our Turkish Kangal  07.    

                                                          Inca with her sheep keeping a very close watch for coyotes.  1/8/07.

With the assistance of the RBST (Rare Breeds Survival Trust), Colonel Dailley of the African Lion Safari in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, imported 28 ewes and four rams from the Shetland Islands in 1980. This is the only importation of Shetlands into North America documented by the RBST, and these are the forefathers and foremothers of most of our North American Shetland flocks.

Shetland's have been classified as endangered by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) in 1977.   Today Shetlands are increasing in numbers & are becoming a favorite. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) is a conservation charity whose purpose is to secure the continued existence and viability of the United Kingdom’s Native Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAnGR).

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