Its closest relatives are other northern short-tailed breeds, particularly the Shetland Sheep (Scotland) and Finnsheep (Finland), which share similar ancestry and adaptations.
24 to 30 in (61 to 76 cm)
Height
36 to 44 in (91 to 112 cm)
Length
180 to 220 lbs (82 to 100 kg)
Weight (Ram)
130 to 160 lbs (59 to 73 kg)
Weight (Ewe)
About
The Icelandic Sheep (Ovis aries) is one of the world’s oldest and purest domestic sheep breeds, belonging to the family Bovidae. Brought to Iceland by Norse settlers over 1,100 years ago, the breed has remained remarkably unchanged due to the country’s strict import bans and geographic isolation. Today, it is prized for its hardiness, versatility, and high-quality wool, meat, and milk.
Icelandic Sheep are medium-sized, with rams typically weighing 180–220 pounds (82–100 kg) and ewes 130–160 pounds (60–73 kg). They are naturally short-tailed and can be either horned or polled, with a wide variety of coat colors and patterns, including white, black, gray, and brown. Their wool is a defining trait, consisting of a dual-coated fleece: a soft, insulating undercoat (þel) and a longer, coarser outer coat (tog). This combination produces the famous lopi yarn, known worldwide for its warmth, lightness, and water resistance, ideal for traditional Icelandic sweaters.
The breed is extremely hardy, adapted to Iceland’s harsh subarctic climate and rugged terrain. Icelandic Sheep graze freely on natural pastures, thriving on sparse forage that would challenge many other breeds. Their resilience makes them well suited for low-input farming systems.
Reproductively, Icelandic Sheep are highly fertile, with ewes often producing twins or triplets. They are seasonal breeders, lambing in spring, and are known for their excellent mothering instincts. In addition to wool, their meat is tender and flavorful, forming an important part of Iceland’s culinary heritage. Some flocks are also milked to produce rich, high-fat milk used in specialty cheeses and yogurt.
Culturally and economically, the Icelandic Sheep is a cornerstone of Iceland’s rural life. Its adaptability, multi-purpose value, and connection to centuries of tradition make it one of the most important and treasured sheep breeds in the world.
Threatened:
Extinct
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near Threatened
Least Concern
Physical Characteristics
Icelandic Sheep are a hardy, dual-purpose breed valued for meat, milk, and wool, with a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Coat:
They have a double-layered fleece consisting of a soft undercoat (thel) and a long, coarse outer coat (tog). This combination provides insulation and durability. Wool colors include white, black, brown, and patterned variations.
Face:
Medium-length, triangular face that may be white or marked with dark patches. The face is generally wool-free.
Body:
Compact and stocky, with a deep chest and strong legs, well suited for Iceland’s rugged terrain and harsh climate.
Tail:
Naturally short, usually not docked, distinguishing them from many other breeds.
Horns:
Both rams and ewes may be horned or polled, with rams often growing large, spiraling horns.
Size:
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Height: 24 to 30 in (61 to 76 cm) at the shoulder.
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Body Length: 36 to 44 in (91 to 112 cm).
Weight:
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Adult Ewes: 130 to 160 lbs (59 to 73 kg).
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Adult Rams: 180 to 220 lbs (82 to 100 kg).
The Icelandic Sheep’s dense fleece, compact body, and adaptability make it one of the toughest and most versatile heritage breeds in the world.
Reproduction
Icelandic Sheep are prolific breeders with strong maternal instincts, traits that have helped them thrive in harsh northern climates.
1. Mating and Breeding Season:
They are seasonal breeders, with mating typically occurring in autumn and lambing in late spring when pastures are greening.
2. Estrus Cycle:
Ewes cycle every 16 to 17 days during breeding season, with heat lasting 24 to 36 hours. Rams are vigorous and effective breeders.
3. Gestation:
The gestation period is around 147 to 150 days (about 5 months).
4. Birth of Lambs:
Icelandic ewes are highly prolific, often giving birth to twins or triplets, and occasionally quadruplets. Lambs are vigorous at birth, with high survival rates.
5. Maternal Care:
Ewes are attentive mothers with strong milk production, enabling them to raise multiple lambs successfully even in marginal grazing conditions.
6. Weaning and Maturity:
Lambs are weaned at 3 to 4 months. Ewe lambs may reach breeding maturity at 7 to 9 months, though many farmers breed them in their second year.
7. Reproductive Strategy:
High fertility, frequent multiple births, and excellent mothering ability make Icelandic Sheep one of the most productive heritage breeds.
Lifespan
Icelandic Sheep are long-lived and hardy, with strong survival traits shaped by centuries in harsh northern climates.
Lifespan in the Wild/Free-Ranging:
In traditional free-grazing systems, they generally live 9 to 12 years, with many ewes remaining productive for 7 to 8 lambing seasons.
Lifespan in Captivity/Farm Management:
With balanced nutrition, veterinary support, and managed grazing, they may live 12 to 15 years, though most commercial flocks keep ewes for 6 to 8 years of prime productivity.
Life Cycle Dynamics:
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Lambhood: Weaned at 3 to 4 months, with strong growth on pastures.
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Breeding Age: Ewes can breed at 7 to 9 months, but often bred later for better development.
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Prime Years: Most productive between ages 2 and 7 for both lambing and wool.
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Senior Age: Fertility and fleece quality decline gradually after 8 years.
Threats to Longevity:
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Harsh Winters: Despite their hardiness, severe cold with inadequate forage can reduce survival.
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Parasites: Internal parasites can impact health in pasture systems if unmanaged.
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Predation: Free-ranging flocks may face predation from foxes and other carnivores.
The Icelandic Sheep’s long lifespan, fertility, and hardiness make it one of the most enduring and productive heritage breeds in northern Europe.
Eating Habits
Icelandic Sheep are resourceful grazers, well adapted to sparse northern pastures and challenging climates.
Diet:
They feed primarily on grasses, sedges, mosses, lichens, and herbs. They also browse shrubs and rough forage, thriving on vegetation that many other breeds avoid.
Foraging Behavior:
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Hardy Grazers: Adapted to survive on low-quality forage in Iceland’s short growing seasons.
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Seasonal Flexibility: Thrive on summer pastures, then rely on stored hay and silage through long winters.
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Self-Sufficient: Historically managed in free-ranging systems, they efficiently find forage in rugged terrain.
Feeding Method:
Their narrow muzzles and agile lips allow them to graze close to the ground and select tender plants among coarse vegetation.
Group Feeding:
They graze in small to medium flocks, maintaining strong social instincts while being easy to herd.
Daily Patterns:
Most active during cooler daylight hours, with rest periods in between grazing.
Ecological Role:
By grazing diverse vegetation, Icelandic Sheep help maintain open landscapes, prevent scrub encroachment, and contribute to traditional land management and biodiversity in northern ecosystems.
Uniqueness
The Icelandic Sheep is one of the world’s oldest and purest sheep breeds, shaped by isolation and harsh northern conditions.
Ancient Heritage:
Descended from sheep brought by Viking settlers over 1,000 years ago, the breed has remained genetically pure due to Iceland’s strict import restrictions.
Color Variety:
They display over a dozen recognized color patterns, from white to black, brown, grey, and mixed markings, making them one of the most colorful sheep breeds.
Double-Layered Fleece:
Their fleece consists of a soft undercoat (thel) and coarse outer coat (tog), prized for traditional Icelandic textiles like lopapeysa sweaters.
Prolific Breeders:
Known for high fertility, ewes often bear twins or triplets, boosting flock productivity in a short growing season.
Hardy Survivors:
They thrive in extreme weather, efficiently using sparse forage and enduring long winters with minimal input.
Cultural Importance:
Central to Icelandic culture, cuisine, and economy, they remain a symbol of resilience and heritage farming.
The Icelandic Sheep’s purity, colorful variety, and adaptability make it one of the most unique and treasured sheep breeds in the world.
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FAQ’s
1. What is the closest species to the Icelandic Sheep?
2. How does the Icelandic Sheep compare to other sheep?
Unlike many breeds, Icelandic Sheep are ancient and genetically pure, highly prolific, and produce a double-layered fleece prized for warmth, durability, and traditional textiles.
3. What national parks provide the best opportunities to see an Icelandic Sheep?
They can be seen in Þingvellir National Park, Vatnajökull National Park, and Snæfellsjökull National Park in Iceland, where free-ranging flocks graze seasonally.
