Name Type of wool Distribution Characteristics Comments

Black-Faced Highland, also called Scottish Blackface carpet originally Scotland, now also U.S., Italy, Argentina black or mottled, horned stylish appearance

Columbia medium developed U.S., since 1912 large, white-faced, hornless high wool yield; mutton acceptable

Corriedale medium developed N.Z., now also U.S., Australia white-faced, hornless bright, soft fleece; good quality lambs

Cotswold long originally England, now also U.S. large, white-faced, hornless coarse, curly fleece; acceptable mutton

Dorset medium developed England, now U.K., U.S., Australia medium-sized, white-faced small wool yield; out-of-season lambs; horned and hornless varieties

Hampshire medium developed England, now also widespread in U.S. large, hornless, dark faces and legs superior mutton breed; limited wool

Karakul fur originally Central Asia, now also Africa, Europe, U.S. medium-sized, fat-tailed coats of very young lambs called Persian lamb

Leicester long originally England, now U.K. and North America massive body, white-faced, broad-backed heavy fleece

Lincoln long originally England, now also Australia, N.Z., North and South America world's largest sheep, hornless coarse, long wool is used chiefly for carpets

Merino fine originally Spain, now also Australia, North America, South Africa horned or hornless, heavily-wooled head excellent, fine, soft fleeces

North Country Cheviot medium originally Scotland, now widespread white chalk; large, deep-bodied hardy; produces superior fleece

Rambouillet fine developed France from 18th century, now also U.S. smooth-bodied, horned or hornless lambs mature rapidly; bred from Merino

Romney long originally England, now also N.Z., North America, Australia hornless with white face and legs mostly raised for mutton; wool used for variety of products

Southdown medium originally England, now also N.Z., Australia, North America hornless with small, rounded body raised for mutton; fleece is short

Suffolk medium developed England, now also U.S. black face and legs, large, hornless fine mutton breed; acceptable wool