Our Breeds of Sheep
Shooting Star Sheep is home to a flock of registered and crossbreed sheep. Our flock Mini Spotted sheep include Harlequins, Babydoll and Finnsheep .
Harlequin Sheep
Harlequin Sheep are the largest breed of registered miniature sheep. They are a relatively new breed of sheep, and as of 2021 there were less than 1,500 registered Harlequins in the US. The Harlequin breed was developed by Kathleen Sterling from Black Sheep Farm in Virginia about 35 years ago. The harlequin breed includes Karakuls,​ Tunis​, Corriedale, Lincoln​, Border Leicester, Romney​, Montadale, and Southdown.
Harlequins are polled (naturally hornless) and have high quality wool. They are known for their docile temperament and spotted coats, and occasionally blue eyes. Because they are miniature sheep, they measure below 24 inches at the shoulder. Ewes weigh between 80-120lbs and rams 90-150lbs.
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Babydoll Southdown Sheep
Babydoll Southdown sheep are known for their teddy bear faces and sweet smiles, which go along with their docile and friendly temperaments. They have a wooly face, woolly legs and short ears. Babydoll Southdown sheep are a multi-purpouse miniature sheep breed from 18 -24" at the shoulder. They are used for meat and fiber, and because of their small size they are easy to manage and are often used to mow under trees and in vineyard. although small they are small, Babydoll sheep are hardy and fairly low maintenance. They are good mothers and often lamb unassisted.
Finnsheep
Finnsheep are a multi-purpose breed. They are native Finland, where they are known as Finnish Landrace Sheep there. They are raised for meat, wool and pelts. Here in the US they are main use in the commercial industry has been in cross-breeding programs to increase the lambing percentage. Finnsheep also are know for their nice wool, because of its color, luster and soft hand of their wool so it is used my many hand spinners. Finnsheep are friendly, docile and easy keepers producing vigorous lambs that are up and nursing within minutes. They produce a more milk that the Harlequins and Babydolls and are know to be more goat like. They have a clean face (no wool), clean legs although out Finns are crossbred with Babydolls.