Boreray sheep are classed as a primitive, small sized, short-tailed breed. It is one of the smallest of our native breeds. It is termed ‘primitive’ because its origins date back possibly as far as the Iron Age. Ewes average about 25 to 30kgs in weight and rams 45kgs. They stand about 55 cm at the ‘withers’ (the base of the neck). Both rams and ewes are horned, with the rams developing large spiralled horns. The fleece is mainly creamy white or pale grey, often with tan or black markings. Most rams and some ewes have a ‘collar’ of darker wool. From late April the sheep start to lose their fleece naturally, although not always all of it, so some shearing may be necessary. Traditionally the wool was used to make tweeds and carpets.
