Chios

The Chios is a Greek dairy sheep associated with the island of Chios and nearby Aegean production systems. It is a specialized milk breed with prolific ewes and a white body marked by dark patches that often appear on the face, ears, or legs. Lambs also contribute to flock economics, but the breed is usually discussed in relation to sheep milk, lactation, and dairy improvement.

Managing Chios sheep depends on feeding for lactation, udder health, regular milking, and sensible control of lamb numbers so ewes are not overburdened. The breed may interest farms making sheep milk cheese or using crossbreeding to increase yield, but it is not a low-attention hill ewe. Buyers should ask about milk records, mastitis history, lambing rate, feet, temperament in the milking area, and whether animals come from pure Chios or upgraded dairy lines.

Colors: Badgerface, Black, Blackbelly, Broken, Brown, Gray, Grey, Gulmoget, Katmoget, Moorit, Piebald, Red, Roan, Silver, Solid, Spotted, Tan, White, White with Black Points, White with Brown Points