Finnsheep Breed Information
What sets the Finnsheep apart from its Nordic relatives are its reproductive &
medium-fine, high luster wool characterisitcs. An adult ewe, with proper care
and nutrition, can raise multiple lambs with no difficulties and, as Finnsheep
have a shorter gestation period (approx. 142 days) than most other breeds,
they are most suitable for year-round lambing operations. Finnsheep average
a 2.7 percent lamb crop and are sometimes referred to as "the sheep that lamb
in litters." The high-yielding, low-lanolin, medium-fine fleece of the Finn, averages
a 70% yield after cleaning, one of the highest in the world. The American Wool Council ranks Finn wool in the fine end of the medium-wool catagory with a micron range of 23.5 to 31and a staple length of 3 to 6 inches. The wool has a well-defined crimp, a very soft hand (feel) and beautiful luster. Finn wool is extremely popular with handspinnners and is one of the world's most requested wools for felting. Did you know Finn wool is the most lustrous in its class and is quite different than Shetland and Icelandic wool? Most wools of luster similar to Finn wool are from much coarser-coated breeds.
Finnsheep rams range in size from 170lbs. to 240lbs. and
ewes from 130lbs to 180lbs. at maturity. They produce a
lean, succulent meat with a light, delicate flavor. Finnsheep
meats have been very successfully produced in pasture-based
programs, making them one of the healthiest meat choices
available in the industry. Lambs should reach industry acceptable
weights and grades in eight months or less.
Finns are naturally polled (have no horns) and their short tails do not require docking. Their docile nature
makes them easy to handle and care for. Due to their outstanding temperaments, they are especially suited to
family farms and children.
There are two main classifications of domesticated sheep today, the Primary Purpose (specialized use) and Multi-Purpose. Finnsheep are considered a multi-purpose breed and therefore should have excellent reproductive, conformation, fleece and temperament characteristics. The following should be considered when evaluating Finnsheep:
Conformation
Head: Long and fine with a good hair coat, free of wool and horns. Eyes: clear and alert. Dark pigment around the eyes is preferred. Proper jaw alignment is essential. Animals with an overshot or undershot jaw will be barred from registry.
Body, Legs and Tail: The body should be long, deep and well-blended with a strong, balanced topline and a shoulder that
allows for free and correct movement. The legs should be straight, well-placed and wool free. The chest and
ribs should be well-sprung and the hindquarter should possess width and strength. The characteristic
Finnsheep tail is wool covered with the tip end covered with hair. Tail length is relative to size and should be approx. 4-6 inches in length. Docked animals are barred from registry.
Fleece
Finnsheep fleece is classified as medium-fine and a quality Finnsheep fleece should fall on the finer
side of the medium classification. Fleece should be soft, lustrous and uniform throughout. Coarse,
matted/cotted and inconsistent density is undesirable.
Reproduction:
Rams: Should reach puberty in 4-8 months
Must have two descended, well-developed testicles
Ideally, should be at least a triplet
Should possess an excellent libido.
Should possess an outstanding temperament
Ewes: Should be capable of lambing by 12 months
Should not be shy breeders
Should have no difficulty lambing
Should exhibit outstanding maternal characteristics
Should produce adequate milk for at least 2 lambs
Have at least two functional, well-formed teats.
A beautiful Finn Fleece!
Photo: Firefly Fields Finnsheep
Commercial Ewes - Photo: Paul Hunter
Finnsheep are among the Nordic breeds from which the Shetland, Icelandic, Romanov and Norwegian Spaelsau originate. All are believed to have descended from the wild mouflon sheep.
Sheep Shopping?
Here are some tips to
insure you have a positive
buying experience.
1) Identify Your Goals;
know what you are looking
for and why.
2) Research -Select a breed
that will enable you to attain
your goals.
3) Interview Several Breeders.
Are they enthusiastic about
their sheep? Are their sheep
registered? What are the
breeder's goals, are they
similar to yours. What type
of health and bio-security
programs are in place at the
breeder's farm?
4) What is the price of the
animal or animals you are
considering and why has
the breeder priced them as
he/she did? Remember,
usually, You Get What You
Pay For! Expect to pay more
for quality animals raised with
proper management and care.
Never purchase an animal
that appears to be unhealthy
or originates from a flock
that appears unhealthy.
5) If you are new to sheep
ownership, ask if the breeder
will mentor you. You want
to purchase your sheep
from a shepherd that will
continue a business
relationship after the sale is
complete.
Photo: Triple L Finnsheep
Award-Winning Finn Fleece
Photo: Firefly Fields Finnsheep
Brown Ewe
Badger-Faced Pattern
Fawn Ram Lamb
Photo: Stillmeadow Finnsheep
Temperament:
All Finnsheep should possess a docile, friendly temperament that makes them easy to handle and care for.
Health
Finnsheep should be maintained free of all types of disease,
genetic defect, lethal genes and burdensome parasitic loads.
Photo: Sweetland Hill Farm
Photo: Stillmeadow Finnsheep
Photo: Triple L Finnsheep
Photo: Trimburfield Finnsheep