Heritage Sheep Breeds

Shetland Sheep

Gulf Coast Sheep

American Karakul Sheep

We have four breeds we work with at Tranquil Morning Farm. All are on The Livestock Conservancy priority list. American Karakul Sheep Listed as "threatened" by the Livestock Conservancy, Karakuls are a fat tailed sheep originating in Central Asia. Imported in the early 1900s, the American Karakul Sheep is a distinct breed from the Karakul sheep in Asia. A multipurpose breed, we raise them for milk, meat and wool. The wool of the Karakul is a long coarse outer wool and a soft, warm undercoat. The wool is ideal for weaving, rug making and items like bags that need a strong wool. These sheep were added to our farm in late 2025. Shetland Sheep Listed as "recovering" by The Livestock Conservancy, Shetlands originated on the Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland where they continue to thrive. Brought to the US in the mid 1900s, their numbers were not enough to sustain and flourish, so they were added to the priority list. They have done well and there are now many breeders raising them and a wide enough gene pool for them to thrive. The focus now is conserving the many colors and patterns that are found in the Shetland breed. Shetlands have been at our farm for over 20 years. Gulf Coast Sheep Also known as Gulf Coast Native Sheep, they are a landrace breed developed in the deep southern US in the early 1700s from breeds brought to America by the Spanish and English. Genetically a breed of their own, they are known for being heat tolerant and having a higher resistance to parasites than most breeds. Being a landrace breed, their fleeces can vary greatly in softness and fineness. We have found GC rams to be mellow and gentle compared to some breeds. They are found primarily in white, but also colored fleece. They are listed as "critically endangered." We occasionally have lambs available in the summer months.