Dark Brown

HOME

Back to color genetics home

True dark brown is very rare and highly sought after. It is sometimes called "Shetland Black", and is thought to possibly be a variation of modified black. Shetland Black is not the result of sunbleaching, and a dark brown sheep can look black, unless it is standing next to a truly black sheep.

Photo courtesy of Stephen Rouse of Shelteringpines, Allegan, MI.

Here is a dark brown skein lying next to a black one. Photo courtesy of Tami Mulder.

Some black sheep may look dark brown at first glance, but this can be the result of sunbleaching. The fleece will look brown or orange near the tips, like this ewe exhibits.   When the fleece is parted, it will still look black near the roots.