Sheep Breeds

Charollais :

Not to be confused with Charolais cattle, a Charollais is also a type of sheep! This ancient grassland breed has several excellent qualities, including remarkable growth and a high dairy value. Within the UK it is referred to as the British Charollais – sounds very regal! Copyright : Steve Rogers

The Charmoise :

Sounds charming, doesn't it? The Charmoise has definitely earned its stripes as an incredibly durable sheep breed. It excels under challenging conditions, can survive on very little and will often draw on its incredible strength when necessary. This is especially helpful through periods of extended drought.

The Texel :

With interesting folds on its muzzle, this serious-looking character originates from the Dutch island of the same name. Robust and incredibly thrifty, the Texel's wool is super dense, naturally protecting its lambs from birth. This breed can thrive in poor pastures and adapts very well to temperate climates. It is found across the UK, Ireland and France. Copyright : OSSON

The Swaledale :

The Swaledale sheep – found in England's north – has developed an incredibly thick, dense fleece over time to survive the cold Yorkshire winters. With a blackhead, and white marks around its muzzle and eyes, the Swaledale can endure even the most hostile climates with a poor diet, usually made up of heather.

The Blackface :

The first sheep bred in the UK, the Blackface sheep finds its origins in Scotland Highlands. Both male and female varieties carry horns, with both completely black legs and faces. It is resistant to poor environments and can survive in places with little vegetation. It has adapted over time to survive in higher altitudes.

The « Vendée » sheep :

One of the oldest sheep breeds – the Vendee sheep is the result of a selection that began over nine centuries ago in the Bas-Poitou region of France. Since then, it has evolved and was then crossed with the Dutch Flandrine breed. It is easily recognisable from its mouse-grey colour and carries an extremely calm and docile temperament. It is found in the UK, France and Ireland. Copyright : Michael Adelo

The Suffolk

A result of a selection process undertaken at the end of the 18th century, the Suffolk is a breed combining the Norfolk and Southdown rams. Easily identifiable from its black legs, and blackhead devoid of wool and horns, the Suffolk is also covered in a subtle, shiny black hair. It is an incredibly popular variety of sheep within both the UK and France. Copyright : Steve Rogers

The Romney :

Native to the English counties Kent and Sussex, Romney sheep are an incredibly large, hornless breed covered in long fleece. They have developed over time on their own to have become resistant to their wet and often harsh environment. With a natural resistance to trampling (foot disease found commonly in sheep), they are popular in both the UK and Europe. They excel in covering grassland into tender meat with excellent grain.

The Western Red

The Western Red is a French breed native to north-western France. Its origins came from the Maine Blue breed and resulted from a crossing in the 19th century with local Wensleydale Blue-Faced rams. It is distinguished by its head's reddish-pink colouration and is an incredibly maternal variety with excellent breeding ability. Copyright: GEODE