Newfoundland sheep
Encyclopedia
The Newfoundland, also called the Newfoundland Local, is a breed of sheep native to Newfoundland.
The islands of Newfoundland are mainly supported through fisheries, but a persistent population of sheep has been present since the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and a native landrace
has developed since that time. Though it has never been fully recognized as a breed, Newfoundland sheep are a distinct genetic base. Both Border Cheviot
and North Country Cheviot
are known to have been major contributors to Newfoundland bloodlines, and there may have also been contributions from other breeds such as the Suffolk, Border Leicester
, Dorset and Scottish Blackface
.
Newfoundland sheep show fairly wide variability, but are generally medium sheep - Very few ewes are horned, and rams can be either horned or polled
. All Newfoundlands are characterized by a great deal of hardiness, able to survive off of poor native forage.Newfoundland Sheep are medium size and come in multiple colours. Rams are mostly horned and some ewes are horned as well.
Coinciding with a general decline in sheep populations in the region, Newfoundland sheep of the native type decline to less than 200 individuals at one point. Thanks to attention by universities, rare breed organizations, and farmers, numbers have increased, but the breed is considered critically endangered still.
The islands of Newfoundland are mainly supported through fisheries, but a persistent population of sheep has been present since the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and a native landrace
Landrace
A landrace is a local variety of a domesticated animal or plant species which has developed largely by natural processes, by adaptation to the natural and cultural environment in which it lives. It differs from a formal breed which has been bred deliberately to conform to a particular standard...
has developed since that time. Though it has never been fully recognized as a breed, Newfoundland sheep are a distinct genetic base. Both Border Cheviot
Border Cheviot
The Border Cheviot, also known as the South Country Cheviot, is a breed of domesticated sheep from the UK. It is native to the Cheviot Hills between Scotland and England. Recognized as early as 1372, the breed is reported to have developed from sheep that swam ashore from shipwrecked Spanish ships...
and North Country Cheviot
North Country Cheviot
North Country Cheviot sheep are a type of Cheviot. They are bred predominantly in Scotland, but are also bred in other parts of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. They are raised primarily for meat.-Origin:...
are known to have been major contributors to Newfoundland bloodlines, and there may have also been contributions from other breeds such as the Suffolk, Border Leicester
Border Leicester
The Border Leicester is a breed of sheep originating in England and raised primarily for meat. Border Leicesters are polled, long-wooled sheep. Though large in size and robust, they are also docile...
, Dorset and Scottish Blackface
Scottish Blackface
The Scottish Blackface is the most common breed of domestic sheep in the United Kingdom. This tough and adaptable breed is often found in the more exposed locations, such as the Scottish Highlands or roaming on the moors of Dartmoor...
.
Newfoundland sheep show fairly wide variability, but are generally medium sheep - Very few ewes are horned, and rams can be either horned or polled
Polled livestock
Polled livestock are livestock without horns, of species that normally have them. The term refers both to breeds or strains which are naturally polled through selective breeding and also to naturally horned animals which have been dehorned...
. All Newfoundlands are characterized by a great deal of hardiness, able to survive off of poor native forage.Newfoundland Sheep are medium size and come in multiple colours. Rams are mostly horned and some ewes are horned as well.
Coinciding with a general decline in sheep populations in the region, Newfoundland sheep of the native type decline to less than 200 individuals at one point. Thanks to attention by universities, rare breed organizations, and farmers, numbers have increased, but the breed is considered critically endangered still.