What are the breeds of sheep know for their fibers? (wool, hair, etc.)

Question

I am interested in getting a few sheep and having them for their fibers. Shetlands came to mind, are there any other breeds that would work well for a good crop of riber? It can be wool, or soft hair-like wool, etc. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Almost any kind of sheep is a a fiber sheep... after all, that's sheep's purpose!

I'd say go with Shetlands, they are easier for beginners.

Answer 2

I have Shetland sheep they are a lovely breed.  You should decide what you want from your sheep before you settle on a breed.  I wanted the soft long fiber for spinning and the small breed for their hardiness and I don't have to dock their tails.  

But if I couldn't have them I would get wool from a merino as that is the supersoftest stuff.  But I've heard stories about merinos and they are a large breed. I needed something that a smaller woman and a 9,at the time, year old could handle.

Icelandic sheep are a lot like the Shetlands except their wool is courser and used for rugs and outer wear.

Many states have a wool festival or fiber fest.  Google fiber festivals and your state and you may find one.  

These are the places to find promoters for various breeds and classes.

Wisconsin has a sheep and wool festival in september and Indiana has one some time near there.  

Good luck.

Answer 3

Merino sheep