Hair Sheep

We have  Katahdin and Dorper sheep on our farm.  Both, of which, are hair-type sheep.

Hair sheep have a smoother coat (debatable?) than wool sheep, thus; they do not get sheared.

But, that does not mean that these sheep do not grow wool.  Each animal is different in terms of the amount of 'wool' each produces.  Some of our sheep retained a heavy coat, actually a cape, throughout the summer.  This cape looked just like its name - a cape that draped over the back of the animal. These capes are dens and heavy. I liken them to that protective apron that  goes over your body while having x-rays of your teeth at the dentist.  Some of these capes fell off some of the ewes during the course of the summer and some remained attached - poor sheep.  Sheep do not like hot temperatures.  Imagine wearing a wool coat in the heat of summer?  Unpleasant, near unbearable; I would imagine. Those sheep without capes looked to be a bit more comfortable.  Other ewes sported dreadlocks, and still others are just down right fluffy.

Ewe sporting a 'wool' cape.

fluffy

kinky

smooth

Some of our ewes are pure white, and others have some variation of black (the Dorper trait) with a few flaunting a bit of light brown.

All in all, we have quite an interesting mix. 

variation of color and texture

Since this summer was our first experience with sheep, ever; I was quite surprised at the variation in coats.  I was expecting the hair sheep to look more like goats - slick and smooth; but, to my surprise, they actually look more like the wool-type sheep.  I am not disappointed!

Sheep, hair or wool, should look like sheep!