Hebridean
The Hebridean is a small black sheep from Scotland, commonly grouped with the Northern European short-tailed breeds. Modern flocks descend from hardy island and park sheep kept in the Hebrides and mainland Britain. It has a fine-boned frame, alert carriage, short tail, and a black fleece that may weather to brown or grey at the tips. Horns are a strong breed feature, with two-horned and four-horned animals both seen.
Hebrideans are widely used on smallholdings and conservation grazing projects because they browse rough grasses, scrub, and woodland edges without needing rich pasture. Their lean carcasses suit local lamb and mutton markets, while the dark wool is mainly valued by handspinners and specialty fiber users. Horn shape, foot soundness, lambing ease, and temperament matter when choosing breeding stock, especially where sheep must be handled in tight pens or grazed near the public.
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
