Iceland

In sheep breed lists, Iceland usually refers to the Icelandic sheep, the native short-tailed sheep of Iceland. The breed traces to North Atlantic sheep brought by Norse settlers and has been shaped by island isolation, harsh weather, and strict controls on animal importation. It is a compact, alert sheep with a naturally short tail, horned and polled lines, and a wide range of colors and patterns, including black, moorit, grey, badgerface, and spotted forms.

Traditional Icelandic management sends flocks to rough summer grazing and brings them in for winter feeding, a system that rewards strong feet, efficient foraging, and good maternal behavior. Outside Iceland, these sheep are kept for grass-fed lamb, homestead milk, and a double coat with a long outer tog and soft inner thel. Good fences matter because they are agile and independent. Breeders often track color genetics and horn status alongside production traits.

Colors: Badgerface, Black, Blackbelly, Brown, Gray, Gulmoget, Katmoget, Moorit, Patterns and Combinations, Piebald, Red, Silver, Spotted, Tan, White, White with Black Points, White with Brown Points