Xalda
The Xalda is a small native sheep breed from Asturias in northern Spain, where it developed in wet valleys, hills, and rough mountain grazing. It is often linked with old Atlantic or Celtic sheep types of the region. Xalda sheep are compact, hardy animals with variable coloring, commonly black, white, or mixed shades depending on the flock. Rams may carry horns, while ewes are often polled or lightly horned. The breed has been kept mainly for meat, including local lamb, rather than as a high-yield dairy or wool sheep.
Because Xalda numbers declined sharply during the twentieth century, many flocks today are maintained with conservation as well as farm production in mind. The breed suits extensive grazing, scrub control, and small rural holdings in humid climates, but it still needs ordinary flock care: foot attention, parasite control, lambing supervision, and protection from dogs or wild predators. Anyone sourcing breeding animals should check local association records and avoid assuming that every small Asturian hill sheep is registered Xalda stock.
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
