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| Photo Source: National Sheep Association |
The Scottish Blackface, also known simply as Blackface, sheep are the most numerous of British breeds and can be found across a wide range of hill and marginal terrain throughout Great Britain and Ireland. These sheep are characterized by their horned appearance, with black or black and white faces and legs.
The fleece of the Scottish Blackface varies, ranging from short, fine wool used for carpets and tweeds to a stronger, coarser wool primarily used in the Italian mattress trade. The quality of the fleece is influenced by factors such as climate, environment, and grazing conditions.
Within the breed, several distinct types have evolved, typically identified by the regions where they are predominant. The Perth type, found mainly in North East Scotland and Northern Ireland, is characterized by its large frame and medium to heavy coat. The Lanark type, dominant in Central and Southern Scotland as well as the Borders, features a medium-length fleece with a denser coat compared to the Perth type. The Newton Stewart or Galloway type, native to South West Scotland and other hard wet areas of the West of Scotland, including the Hebrides and Ireland, is compact with a short, thick, rain-resistant coat.
In the North of England, the large-framed, soft-coated Northumberland Blackface plays a significant role in breeding the North of England Mule.
The average adult bodyweight of Scottish Blackface sheep varies depending on their habitat, with upland sheep averaging around 70kg, while those on average to good hill terrain weigh between 50-65kg, and those on poor hill terrain weigh between 45-50kg.
About Scottish Blackface Sheep
