Purpose
Meat, wool, and pelts
Sheep breed ยท Iceland; a North European short-tailed breed maintained there for more than 1,100 years.
Icelandic Sheep
Icelandic sheep are medium-sized, hardy dual-purpose sheep valued for pasture and browse use, early-maturing lambs, and a distinctive dual-coated fleece. They are well suited to small farms seeking meat, wool, and naturally varied colors in one breed.
Mature size/weight
Rams 198-220 lb; ewes 132-143 lb
Origin
Iceland
Temperament
Alert, active, and independent
Icelandic Sheep characteristics
| Purpose | Meat, wool, and pelts |
|---|---|
| Mature size/weight | Rams 198-220 lb; ewes 132-143 lb |
| Origin | Iceland |
| Temperament | Alert, active, and independent |
| Color/appearance | Wide range of natural colors; horned or polled animals occur in both sexes |
| Fleece | Dual coat with fine thel undercoat and long tog outercoat |
| Tail | Naturally short, fluke-shaped tail; docking disqualifies registration |
What Icelandic sheep are raised for
Icelandics are used for lamb, spinning and felting fiber, and sheepskins. Their history of selection in Iceland favors efficient use of summer and fall pasture and browse rather than grain-heavy production.
Their fleece can be separated into thel and tog for different textile uses, or processed together. Their natural colors and horn status create useful options for hand-spinners and niche flock marketing.
Why the Icelandic stands out
The Icelandic is an ancient North European short-tailed sheep with a compact natural tail and a highly distinctive double coat. Its broad color range, early lamb maturity, and ability to use pasture and browse are defining features for homesteads.
Raising Icelandic sheep
Keep the natural tail intact if breeding registered Icelandics, and select fencing and handling facilities appropriate for active, sometimes horned sheep. Manage the dual fleece with a shearing plan that fits its intended use, and ensure your grazing plan includes sound pasture rotation and safe browse access.
Icelandic Sheep frequently asked questions
Do Icelandic sheep need their tails docked?
No. They have a naturally short tail, and tail docking disqualifies an Icelandic sheep from registration.
What are thel and tog?
Thel is the fine, wavy undercoat, while tog is the longer, coarser outer coat.
Are Icelandic sheep only for wool?
No. They are a dual-purpose breed used for meat as well as wool and pelts.
Breed characteristics are general guidance and vary by bloodline, region, and management. For animal health, vaccination, and disease questions, consult a licensed veterinarian or your local Cooperative Extension office. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.