Gotland

Gotland sheep are a Swedish breed associated with gray, lustrous, curly fleece used for pelts, handspinning, and specialty wool products. They descend from sheep on the island of Gotland, though the modern breed has been selected more deliberately than the older primitive Gute sheep. Lambs are often born darker and develop silver to charcoal shades as the fleece opens, making age and fleece stage important when judging color.

Gotlands need management that respects both fleece and meat value. Clean pasture, careful shearing or pelt timing, and selection for curl, luster, and even color are central in fiber flocks. They can also produce useful lambs, but buyers should ask whether a flock is selecting primarily for pelts, spinning fleece, breed conservation, or commercial lamb traits. Flocks still need ordinary sheep care: parasite control, sound fencing, foot care, lambing attention, and nutrition that supports ewes without softening fleece quality.

Colors: Badgerface, Black, Blackbelly, Blue Gray, Brown, Gray, Gulmoget, Katmoget, Moorit, Piebald, Red, Silver, Silver Gray, Spotted, Tan, White, White with Black Points, White with Brown Points