Hog Island sheep

Hog Island sheep
A ram with a thick tan coat of hair and large white horns that curl back on themselves forming a loop, in a large grassy field. Two more sheep are in the background.
Hog Island sheep kept at George Washington's Mount Vernon estate
Conservation statusCritical
Country of originUnited States
Traits
Weight
  • Male:
    125 pounds (57 kg)
  • Female:
    90 pounds (41 kg)
Wool colormost individuals white (about 10% are black)
Face colorwhite with black speckles

Hog Island sheep are a breed of sheep descended from animals first brought to Virginia's Hog Island in the 18th century. During the 1930s and 1940s, storm conditions forced the island's residents to evacuate, leaving some sheep behind. These sheep adapted to the environment free of human intervention, becoming feral.[1]

The breed is preserved by various organizations because of its relevance to American history and its resemblance to historical American sheep. It also possesses some traits that have been somewhat lost in more modern breeds.[2][3][4]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference crews was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference harman was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference star was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Dohner was invoked but never defined (see the help page).