Hair sheep are becoming increasingly popular in the United States, especially in Texas and the eastern half of the country. In 2011, hair sheep comprised 11% of the US sheep population, which was up from only 1% in 1996. As of 2020, the Dorper and Katahdin breeds were the most commonly registered. Hair sheep do not require shearing or docking due to their coats that naturally shed. They also have high reproduction rates and multiple births. Many hair sheep breeds also have increased resistance to internal parasites like worms.

1. Hair
SHEEP
Hair
sheep
are raised
throughout the US
but are most popular
in Texas and the
eastern half of
the US.
11% and
increasing
In 2011, hair sheep
comprised 11% of the US
sheep population (NAHMS).
Almost 22% of sheep
operations raised hair sheep
then, compared to only 1%
in 1996. In 2018, more than
90% of the lambs sold at the
auction in San Angelo (Texas)
were hair sheep.
Top
two
As of March 2020,
Dorpers and
Katahdins were
the two most
popular breeds of
sheep in the US,
as measured by
the number
of purebred
registrations and
transfers.
Easy care
Hair sheep naturally shed their
winter coats and don’t usually
require shearing, crutching, or
docking.
Hair Sheep Primer
http://www.sheep101.info/201/hairsheep.html
Goodatmaking
babies
Besides being easy care, hair
sheep have a high level of
reproduction. They are known for
their early puberty, multiple
births, mothering ability, and
out-of-season breeding.
Fewerworms
Though it varies by breed, hair
sheep tend to be more
resistant to worm, like the
barber pole worm. The St.
Croix is the most parasite
resistant breed in the US.