Swedish Fur

Swedish Fur sheep, often called Swedish Pelt sheep and closely related to the Gotland type, are domestic sheep developed in Sweden for glossy gray pelts and soft, curly wool. Lambs are commonly born dark and lighten into shades of silver, charcoal, or pearl gray, with an even curl pattern sought for skins and handspinning fleeces. They are usually polled, medium sized, and more finely built than heavy meat breeds, with an alert, active temperament.

The practical value of the breed depends on careful selection for pelt quality: curl, luster, density, skin feel, and consistent color matter as much as body size. Small flocks are kept by fiber producers, rare-breed keepers, and farms selling lamb or tanned skins where regulations allow. Good shelter from persistent wet, clean lambing areas, and prompt shearing help prevent fleece damage; breeders also watch udders, lamb vigor, and inbreeding because registered populations outside Scandinavia can be small.