It is generally believed that the Shetland's roots go back over a thousand
years and it is likely that they are descendants of sheep brought by Viking settlers to
the Shetland Islands. They belong to the Northern European short-tailed group which also
contains the Finnsheep, Norwegian Spaelsau, Icelandics, Romanovs and others.
Shetlands are considered a primitive or unimproved breed, which means that
although they are small and relatively slow-growing, they maintain a natural hardiness,
thriftiness, easy lambing, longevity, adaptability and the ability to survive under harsh
conditions. Shetlands survived for centuries under harsh conditions and on a meagre diet,
although they do very well under less rigorous conditions. Having retained most of their
primitive survival instincts, they are easier to care for than many of today's
"improved" breeds.
One of the smallest of British sheep breeds, Shetland rams' weight
is between 90
-125 lb and ewes about 75 - 100 lb. Rams have beautiful spiral horns whereas ewes are
usually polled. They are fine-boned and agile and their naturally short, fluke shaped
tails do not require docking. 
They are a calm, docile and easy-to-manage breed. Most respond well to attention and
some even wag their tails when petted! In addition, the rams are usually safe to be
around.
Classified as endangered by
the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) in 1977, Shetlands are now enjoying renewed favour
and numbers.
This way for more information about
Shetland Sheep Markings!
Credits: some of the pictures on this page and the next are courtesy of
Robin
and Margaret McEwen-King, from Middletown Farm, in Scotland. Please visit
their website.
The picture on the left (click on it for a larger size pic) is their gorgeous
champ from 2001.
