Finnsheep
History
Finnsheep originated in Finland and in 1966 the Finnsheep were first imported to North America from Canada. Finns are considered primitive since they show characteristics of the original wild sheep.
Wool
Most of Finns in the USA are white. They also come in black and a black-white piebald (which is spotted looking). They can come in grey, brown and fawn but those colors are less common. The fleece is very soft and is a light weight of 5-6 lbs. The wool is highly praised by hand spinners because it blends easily with other fibers.
Meat
Finns are not a big sheep. It produces a lean meat which some say has a great flavor.
Multiple Lambs
Finns are well known to have multiple lambs. Finns usually have triplets and quadruplets. Some records show a couple of litters up to sextuplets and even octuplets! It is not uncommon for a ewe lamb to give birth to this many. Finnsheep are also excellent mothers.
Breed Standards
Fleece
The fleece should be soft and medium length. It must have no matting.
Body and Tail
The body should be well blended; the back needs to be straight and strong; The tail must be undocked (not cut off).
Head
The head of the animal should be long with hair, free from wool and horns. The eyes need to be clear and alert. Dark pigment should be around both eyes. The jaw should be in the correct alignment.
Legs
The legs need to be straight and placed well. The fore legs need to be set apart. The back legs need to be wooled to the knees and their hocks. The legs need to be clean.
Finnsheep originated in Finland and in 1966 the Finnsheep were first imported to North America from Canada. Finns are considered primitive since they show characteristics of the original wild sheep.
Wool
Most of Finns in the USA are white. They also come in black and a black-white piebald (which is spotted looking). They can come in grey, brown and fawn but those colors are less common. The fleece is very soft and is a light weight of 5-6 lbs. The wool is highly praised by hand spinners because it blends easily with other fibers.
Meat
Finns are not a big sheep. It produces a lean meat which some say has a great flavor.
Multiple Lambs
Finns are well known to have multiple lambs. Finns usually have triplets and quadruplets. Some records show a couple of litters up to sextuplets and even octuplets! It is not uncommon for a ewe lamb to give birth to this many. Finnsheep are also excellent mothers.
Breed Standards
Fleece
The fleece should be soft and medium length. It must have no matting.
Body and Tail
The body should be well blended; the back needs to be straight and strong; The tail must be undocked (not cut off).
Head
The head of the animal should be long with hair, free from wool and horns. The eyes need to be clear and alert. Dark pigment should be around both eyes. The jaw should be in the correct alignment.
Legs
The legs need to be straight and placed well. The fore legs need to be set apart. The back legs need to be wooled to the knees and their hocks. The legs need to be clean.