Pelibuey sheep, known for their distinctive hair rather than wool, are believed to share close ancestry with the West African, Red African, African, or Africana breeds found in Colombia and Venezuela. These sheep trace their lineage back to the West African Dwarf breed and are primarily distributed in regions such as Cuba, the coastal areas of Mexico, and various Caribbean locales. Impressively, Pelibuey sheep constitute a significant portion, approximately 75 percent, of the sheep population in Cuba.
Displaying a diverse array of hair colors, Pelibuey sheep exhibit shades including beige, brown, dark brown, red, white, black, and roan, with both solid hues and combinations of colors present within the population. While male Pelibuey sheep may possess a throat ruff, it is uncommon for them to have horns, contributing to their distinct appearance and characteristics within the sheep community.