Estonian Ruhnu
Estonian Ruhnu sheep are a native island sheep from Ruhnu, a small Estonian island in the Gulf of Riga. They belong to the northern short-tailed landrace tradition and can show varied colors, primitive traits, and adaptation to a windy Baltic island environment shaped by long isolation.
Their main importance today is conservation. Small island breeds can hold genetic traits that disappear quickly when replaced by larger commercial sheep, so breeding plans should protect diversity, hardiness, and traditional appearance. Keepers may value them for meat, wool, landscape grazing, and cultural continuity more than for high-volume production. Their small-population status means avoiding casual crossbreeding is part of responsible ownership, along with recording parentage and keeping island-type traits visible.
