About Gotland Sheep

History of the Gotland Breed

It is believed that Gotland sheep are descendants of flocks first established on the Swedish island of Gotland during the Viking era. 

Today, Sweden has the largest population of Gotland sheep with flocks of up to 600 ewes. Purebred Gotlands are also found in several European countries, including Denmark that benefits from the same evaluation/judging system as Sweden. The Danish Gotland sheep are registered on Elitlamm as are Swedish
Gotlands and other Swedish sheep. Gotland sheep are also found in New Zealand, the United States and Canada.

Gotlands were first introduced in North America using Artificial Insemination utilizing imported semen on selected foundation breed ewes (see “UPBREEDING” to see which foundation breeds were used). After years of continuing to increase the percentage of Gotland genetics in progeny using imported semen and selective breeding, high percentage and quality Gotland rams and ewes were established to use natural breeding along with artificial insemination. 

Gotland sheep are fine-boned and of medium size, they are naturally polled and have no wool on their black heads and legs. Their slender neck and shoulders give them a regal appearance. The tail is short with a hair covered tip. Fleeces are silky with three-dimensional curls; lamb fleeces are coveted by handspinners for their silkiness. Fleeces can be all shades of grey from very light silver to dark charcoal grey. Their disposition is docile and friendly.