Sheep breeds

Tunis

Heritage livestock, as Tunis sheep are, have been bred over time providing multi-purpose animals adaptable to many conditions. The ancestors of  modern Tunis were imported to the U.S. prior to the Revolutionary War as the original fat-tailed sheep of the Bible, and were then crossed with local sheep creating a uniquely American breed, some of which were included in George Washington’s flocks at Mt. Vernon. This extremely docile breed was nearly lost during the Civil War, but two small flocks were discovered in the South about 1890, and the breed was brought back from near-extinction.

For a more complete history of Tunis in the U.S., click here.


Photo to right: While it is never good practice to turn your back on a ram,
Tunis sheep are particularly known for their mild manners and even
temperaments.  Thor is as curious about a child as she is about his gorgeous
fleece.  Look!! They are both smiling.

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California Red

California Red sheep are a relatively new breed, purposely created in California in the 1970s by crossing more-meaty Tunis sheep with wool-free Barbados.  The goal of providing a larger, meatier sheep that didn't have to be sheared failed, but resulted in the lovely California Reds.  Many of the qualities of this new breed are characteristics we love in the Tunis: dual-purpose, excellent fleece, good mothering skills, striking coloring and presence, as well as docile temperament.

 

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