About Lithuanian Black-Headed Sheep

Lithuanian Black-Headed are multipurpose sheep developed in Lithuania during the mid-20th century. They were developed by crossing local sheep with English Shropshire and meaty German black-headed rams, with the goal of combining the best characteristics of both.

Lithuanian Black-Headed sheep mature early and supply homogenous semi-fine wool. They have short and white wool, while their head, ears, and legs are covered with black hair. They have no horns.  

In order to form productive herds of thoroughbred sheep, state-run Black-Headed sheep breeding nucleus farms were established in Pasvalys in 1952, and in Telsiai in 1956. In 1963 the Seduva Experimental Farm was launched to preserve the breed. Since its inception the farm has performed scientific research, including evaluation of sheep health and fertility, milking capacity, chemical composition of sheep milk, and quality of wool and meat.  

The first Lithuanian Black-Headed breed herd book was issued in 1963, and the last in 1993. As of 2007, thoroughbred Lithuanian Black-Headed sheep were being raised in four farming herds totaling about 470 ewes. Its genetic material is being stored as a resource, and a 2005 United Nations-sponsored initiative purchased the sheep in support of traditional Lithuanian textile arts.