Hair sheep are a unique group of sheep that naturally shed their coats instead of growing wool. They’re primarily raised for meat, not fiber. Hair sheep are especially popular in hot, humid, or parasite-prone environments due to their hardiness, heat tolerance, and low maintenance needs.
🔹 Why Hair Sheep?
- No shearing required — they shed naturally
- Heat-tolerant — ideal for tropical and subtropical climates
- Parasite-resistant — especially important in humid regions
- Good meat quality — lean, mild-flavored lamb
- Low-input farming — perfect for small farms and regenerative systems
🐏 Top Hair Sheep Breeds
1. Dorper (South Africa)
- Developed from Dorset Horn × Blackhead Persian
- Traits: Fast-growing, adaptable, good carcass yield
- Coat: Short, light hair with wool undercoat (sheds naturally)
- Appearance: White body with a black or white head
- Note: Very popular for meat production in dry regions
2. Katahdin (USA)
- Developed in Maine from Caribbean and African stock
- Traits: Parasite-resistant, prolific, hardy
- Coat: Full hair coat that sheds seasonally
- Appearance: Variety of colors; well-muscled
- Note: Very popular in North America for pasture-based meat farms
3. St. Croix (Caribbean)
- Originated in the U.S. Virgin Islands
- Traits: High parasite resistance, calm temperament
- Coat: Pure hair, completely self-shedding
- Appearance: Usually white, sleek body
- Note: Used in breeding programs to improve parasite resistance
4. Barbados Blackbelly (Caribbean)
- Indigenous breed with African ancestry
- Traits: Lean meat, heat-resistant, good mothers
- Coat: Hair coat, no shearing required
- Appearance: Brown with black underbelly and legs
- Note: Not to be confused with the hybrid American Blackbelly, which is often used for trophy hunting
5. Royal White (USA)
- Cross between Dorper and St. Croix
- Traits: Good growth, excellent meat, sheds well
- Coat: Shedding coat, white only
- Note: Bred for commercial meat efficiency
🌍 Where Hair Sheep Thrive
- Africa: Dorpers, indigenous fat-tailed hair breeds
- Caribbean & Central America: St. Croix, Blackbelly
- Southern USA: Katahdin, Dorper
- South America: Increasing interest in hair sheep for hot, lowland regions
🐑 Hair vs Wool Sheep: Quick Comparison
| Trait | Hair Sheep | Wool Sheep |
|---|---|---|
| Shearing | Not needed | Required 1–2x per year |
| Climate Suitability | Hot, humid climates | Cooler, dry climates |
| Meat Production | Primary purpose | Often dual-purpose |
| Parasite Resistance | High (in most) | Generally lower |
| Maintenance | Low | Moderate to high |
Would you like help choosing between Dorper vs. Katahdin, or want a chart comparing their growth and climate needs?