Today they are considered a primitive or "unimproved" breed. This means that although they are small and relatively slow growing, they maintain natural hardiness, thriftiness, easy lambing, adaptability and longevity. Shetlands survived for centuries under harsh conditions and on a meager diet, although they do very well under less rigerous conditions. Having retained most of their primitive survival instincts, they are easier to care for than many of today's "improved" breeds.
They are a calm, docile, and easy to manage breed. Most respond well to attention and some even wag their tails when petted!
Shetland Wool:
A very important characteristic of the Shetlands is their beautiful wool, upon which the world renowned Shetland woolen industry is based. Shetland wool is one of the finest and softest of any British breed.
This soft, yet strong and durable wool is a delight to spin and is ideal for a variety of crafts. The neck fleece is traditionally used in Shetland shawls so fine they could be drawn through a wedding ring. Shetlands can be single coated, double coated (primative) or anywhere in between.
Fleeces usually weigh between 2 to 4 pounds and have various staple lengths.
Shetland wool comes in one of the widest ranges of colors of any breed.
These are the 11 main colors as well as 30 markings, many still bearing their Shetland dialect names.
Unfortunately, many of these colors and markings have become quite rare as white wool is dominant and had historically commanded better prices.
Shetland Meat:
Although the shetland is smaller and slower growing than many breeds, their meat is mild and flavorful. Shetlands also cross well with other breeds of sheep, such as the cheviot or southdown, for a larger meat lamb with a nice fleece, creating a true dual purpose animal.
Shetlands in North America:
The first importation of shetlands from the islands was by the Flett family of Fort Qu'Appelle in Saskatchewan, Canada. This flock consisted of 1 ram and 3 ewes, all moorit. The Flett flock flourished despite no outside blood being introducted, and the Flett flock was eventually accepted into the registry.
With the assistance of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, Col. Dailley of the African Lion Safari (Cambridge, Ontario) imported 28 ewes and 4 rams from the Shetland Islands in 1980. The first importation into the U.S. was in 1986, and shetlands have been increasing in popularity ever since!
The North American Shetland Sheepbreeders Assocation (NASSA) was established in coordination with the Shetland Sheep Society of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in Great Britian. The purpose of the association is to assist breeders in North America in maintaining purity and quality of the breed, and to provide accurate registration and pedigree records for informed breeding decisions.
Other related goals of NASSA are to promote shetlands in North America, preserve and protect this primative breed, and facilitate communication and information between breeders.
Members with registered flocks receive pedigrees and certificates for all sheep registered, as well as a copy of the annual flock book. New members also receive a copy of the SSS's informative handbook on shetlands.
A newsletter, The NASSA News, provides educational articles as well as current news, show results, and views about shetlands in both North America and Britian.
NASSA recently began maintaining an on-line database containing information on breeders and registered sheep.
Visit NASSA's website at www.shetland-sheep.org
