Shetland: Wool Educational Material for the Clothing Industry

Minor Breeds: Shetland

MATURE BODY WEIGHT

Ram 90-125 lb.
Ewe 75-100 lb.

AVERAGE fiber DIAMETER

Micron 19-29
Spinning Count 70-54

GREASE FLEECE WEIGHT

Ewe 2-4 lb.

YIELD

65-80%

Originated over a thousand years ago, the Shetland breed is of Northern European Short-Tail descent. Shetlands are a primitive breed noted for their natural hardiness, lambing ease, longevity and ability to survive under harsh conditions. They are one of the smallest breeds with naturally short tails. Shetlands are primarily known for their production of colorful wool upon which the Shetland woolen industry is based.

Learn more about sheep & wool from the following resources.

Wool Research 

Wool fiber

Sheep Glossary

Benefits of Wool

Sheep Wool Grades

Wool Definition