Ouessant Sheep

Most animals in our world serve a purpose. Most often, we use them for either the food they can provide for us or the task that they can make easier for us. This is proven every time you see a horse being ridden, a cow being milked, or a deer being hunted. What you may not realize is that sheep are also an animal that provides many benefits to us. They provide us with wool for clothing, blankets, and other material items, but some can also provide us with food that is rich in protein, iron, B-vitamins, and zinc. They also make fantastic pets, especially the Ouessant sheep.

Ouessant Sheep

This breed of sheep is very small compared to others. On average, ewes measure in at only about 18-inches at the shoulder when full-grown. Rams come in slightly larger at about 19-inches. The rams are quite cute in appearance because most adults will have large horns that are disproportionate to their body’s overall size. When these small sheep are newborns, they are extremely small. It has been reported that lambs can be born weighing as little as one kg or smaller and tiny enough to fit in a pocket.
As pets and as wool producers, these sheep are ideal. However, they do like to be in a flock. They depend on it for their overall survival. They have strong senses that can alert them to danger lurking several hundred feet away from their flock.
If you are hoping to find a grazing pet that can help you keep the brush down around your home or farm, this may not be the best choice, though other sheep are very adept at it. The Ouessant sheep is unable to clean out heavy, thick brush.

For the Love of Sheep

In America, there is an American Sheep Industry that keeps track of sheep. As of 2008, there were a reported 6.1 million sheep in the US alone, and it is assumed that since that year, the number has increased drastically.
World wide, there could be more than 1,000 unique sheep breeds, with only 50 of them being in the United States. Sheep are as unique as all other animals, and perhaps even more so than many. Each respective breed will come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and colors. The Ouessant is typically brown or black, but may sometimes be white.
Ouessant sheep are native to France but can be found all over the European countries. It is believed, by some, that Vikings brought the Ouessant to the United States first. However, in the US, you will mostly find Rambouillet sheep, especially in the western states.

A New Pet Idea for You

Ouessant sheep can be purchased in the UK. However, it is important that you have the proper paperwork. Certified Ouessant pets come with a valid registration ensuring that they are truly what you want. Every animal has its own registration. This allows us to keep track of how many they are alive and well, which is important because at one time, not too long ago, this breed of sheep was virtually extinct. Ewes can only have one baby at a time and in very rare cases two. Repopulation is a slow journey, but it is very much worth it considering the fine wool that they provide naturally.