Norwegian Fur

Norwegian fur sheep, often called Norsk pelssau or Norwegian pelt sheep in English, are a domestic sheep breed developed in Norway for lambskins as well as meat. They were formed mainly from Swedish Gotland-type sheep crossed with the hardy short-tailed Norwegian spael, producing medium-sized animals with lustrous, curly fleece and pelts valued for even grey or blue-grey color. Black, brown, and patterned animals also occur, but commercial pelt selection usually favors consistent color, curl, and skin quality. Like many northern European sheep, they have a relatively short tail and a practical grazing build rather than an extreme show type.

Flocks are managed much like other Norwegian pasture sheep, with spring lambing, summer grazing, and winter feeding where snow limits forage. Producers interested in pelts pay close attention to lamb age at harvest, because curl, staple length, and skin size change quickly as lambs grow. Breeding stock is selected for mothering, lamb growth, sound feet, and fleece traits; heavy matting, uneven color, or coarse fibers reduce value. Smallholders should plan for annual shearing, secure fencing, and enough shelter from wet winter weather, even though the breed is adapted to a cool climate.