Gotland Sheep

Looks how to spot one

Long, lustrous, single-coated fleece with defined curl

The Gotland has a dense, glossy, single-coated fleece with a soft, silky texture and a clear, even curl. The wool is fine, long and lustrous, often described as pelt wool. The head and legs are clean of wool, and the tail is naturally short and hair-tipped.43

Personality what they are like

Gotlands are calm, curious and friendly sheep. They are easy to manage in small flocks and do not require a herding dog. They are intelligent and can be a bit stubborn, especially with fostering, but generally respond well to gentle handling. They have a strong herd instinct and spread out when grazing, yet stay together as a group.53

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Gotlands need good quality varied grazing and browsing. They are active and mobile, enjoying a large pasture. They are not true hill sheep and do best on lowland pasture with access to shelter. They are winter housed in their native Sweden and benefit from housing in cold, wet weather.53

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Gotlands need regular foot care, as they can have soft peeling feet on some soils. Zinc mineral blocks or footbaths can help. They are shorn twice a year, often in winter and summer. Their fleece is valuable and easy to spin or felt. They need regular worming and general sheep health care.54

Home where they are happiest

Gotlands are hardy but not true hill sheep. They need good quality pasture and shelter from extreme weather. They are winter housed in Sweden and do well with a barn or shed. They need secure fencing as they are curious and can wander. They are suitable for smallholdings and hobby farms.53

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Gotlands thrive on good quality grass and browse. In the run up to lambing, ewes need trough feeding, especially those carrying twins or triplets. Lambs for slaughter may need concentrate feeding from September. Fresh water and mineral supplements, especially zinc, are important.5

Company who they like around

Gotlands are social herd animals and should not be kept alone. They bond well with other sheep and can also bond with humans if handled gently. They have a strong herd instinct and work well with herding dogs. They are not aggressive and are safe around children when properly socialised.35

The story where it all began

The Gotland sheep breed developed on the Swedish island of Gotland, where Vikings crossed native landrace sheep with Karakul and Romanov sheep brought from Russia. The modern Gotland was created through controlled breeding and intensive selection starting in the 1920s, aiming for a multipurpose long-wool sheep. The breed is now found in Sweden, Britain, Denmark, New Zealand, Australia and North America, where it was introduced via semen imports in 2003.127

Recognised by the official bits

Gotland Sheep Breeders Association of North America (GSBANA)

Breed standard for registration and showing4

American Gotland Sheep Society

Breed society for North America2