The Scottish Blackface  are sub-divided into three types:


The Perth type: A large-framed sheep with a medium to heavy wool is found mainly in north-east Scotland, south-west England and Northern Ireland.  


The Lanark type:  Dominant in much of Scotland and areas of Ireland they are of medium size with shorter wool than the Perth type.


The Northumberland Blackface :  Found in the north of England the large-framed, soft wooled variety is popular and influential in breeding the North of England Mule.

History

Source:  Wikipedia


The origins of the breed are uncertain. It was developed on the Anglo-Scottish border but it is not clear exactly

when it became a distinct breed. It replaced the earlier Scottish Dunface or Old Scottish Short-wool,

a Northern European short-tailed sheep type probably similar to the modern Shetland.


Records show that in 1503 James IV of Scotland established a flock of 5,000 Scottish Blackface Sheep in Ettrick Forest in the area south of Peebles in the Borders.


Today the Scottie is the most numerous breed in the British Isles.  Roughly thirty percent of all sheep in the UK are Scottish Blackface. The Blackface epitomizes the mountain sheep. They have long coarse wool that shields them from moisture and biting winds. They are able to survive the harshest winters in the most extreme parts of Great Britain.


Artisans have long treasured the horns of the Blackface for the carving of shepherd's crooks and walking sticks. In the US the fleece is of interest to fibre artists and hand spinners for use in tapestry and the making of rugs and saddle blankets.  

Scottish Blackface Sheep

Scottish Blackface Sheep Information
source: Blackface Sheep Breeders Association - Perth shire, Scotland


All Scotties are horned with black or black and white face and legs. The fleece should be free of black fibre and can vary from short, fine wool used for carpets and tweeds to strong coarse wool which is sold mainly for the Italian mattress trade.


There are several distinct types within the breed. These have evolved over the years influenced by climate, environment and grazing quality. This gives the breed the advantage of being able to produce species to suit every climatic condition.

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