ICELANDIC LEADERsheep for sale

Leadersheep in your flock. – The presence of Leadersheep in a flock of Icelandics can be a great benefit to the shepherd. They are particularly human-oriented and vocal, so the shepherd who learns to listen to and trust the Leaders can be fore-warned if anything is amiss in the flock – or if an unusual situation has occurred. Note that Leadersheep can act as an effective “early warning system” but they are still sheep and do not replace the need for protective fencing or guardian animals.  They cannot take on a marauding coyote or dog.

As Leadersheep evolved in the same environment as the “usual” Icelandic sheep, the care and maintenance described for the “usual” sheep also apply to the Leadersheep. They share the same “purposes” as the “usual” Icelandics, too. The meat has less fat as these sheep carry their fat around the internal organs, rather than in the muscle. The fleece is double coated, and may be found in the same colors and patterns. They produce abundant milk, although on the milking stand, they may be more demanding of attention (and treats). And while it might be tempting to own an entire flock of these sheep, one must remember that they are leaders and need to have other sheep as their followers. At Trinity Farm, we have been actively been engaged in the preservation and up-breeding of Icelandic Leadersheep for more than a decade; in the U.S. and globally, they are meet the criteria to be classified as “critically endangered.”

What are Leadersheep? – Once described as a “sub-breed” of the Icelandic sheep, the Icelandic Leadersheep are now recognized as a separate breed, based on current scientific as well as historical studies carried out in Iceland. Known in the literature of Iceland from the earliest records, they are thus as ancient as the “usual” Icelandics, dating back to the time of settlement and, in fact. were the more highly valued because of the critical roles that they played. Leadersheep are particularly intelligent, and in Iceland were bred for this trait, rather than for meat. The physical differences that are seen today between the two breeds can, at least in part, be traced back to this selection strategy.

Leadersheep are taller and thinner that the “usual” Icelandic (more of a dairy breed conformation), frequently display a characteristic white blaze and socks over a solid pattern, and are unusually alert to their surroundings. They have a heightened sense of direction and of danger, and are able to alert the shepherd to impending weather changes. They are the unquestioned leader of the flock; this is distinct from “alpha” behavior that can be observed in any group of social animals. Historically, Leadersheep were used in Iceland to take sheep to and from winter pasture; now they are much less common because of the disease that ravaged Iceland, and because of changed agricultural practices.  However, they are still used in the annual roundup to lead the flocks back from summer pasture.

Observational studies performed in Iceland indicated that while some physical leadersheep characteristics (such as longer legs) could still be seen in sheep with a low percentage of leader genetics, the unique behavioral traits were only reliably expressed in sheep with over 50-60% leader blood. Thus, sheep with leader genetics at or above 75% are segregated into a separate leadersheep recording database (sheep between 50% and 74% are termed “Leadersheep hybrids.” Sheep with greater than 87.5% (7/8) are considered “pure,” but note that there exist in increasing numbers Leadersheep that have 100% leader genetics, and semen from these rams, which were critical in re-populating Leadersheep throughout Iceland, have been available at the Southram breeding station for many years.

Leadersheep at Trinity Farm. – Here at Trinity Farm, we use frozen semen from Southram to up-breed Leadersheep. Because there was no purebred (100%) Leader ewe imported into North America, and because of USDA regulations which allow the importation of semen but not sheep (read: ewes) from Iceland, the Leadersheep in the U.S. are necessarily crosses between Leadersheep and the “usual” Icelandic sheep. They are currently registered as Icelandics with CLRC.

The sheep that appear on this page will all be above 75% leader genetics.  This year, I am pleased to offer some rams that fall between 80 and 95% Leader genetics.  Some rams will be retained for a period so that I can keep certain rare colors and patterns in the leader flock, but may be available in future years. Ewes will generally be retained for future up-breeding, but this year I am pleased to offer several ewes with very high percentages of Leadersheep genetics.

You may reserve a lamb with a phone call or email, and it will be marked "Reserved" and kept on hold for seven days to allow your nonrefundable deposit of 1/2 to arrive.  The animal will then be listed as "On Deposit." The balance is due *prior to pick-up or delivery* of the animal; lambs will be available to go to their new homes in late July/early August. I give a discount of 10% for 3 - 4 animals; 15% for 5 or more animals. If you should change your mind after making a deposit, that deposit can be applied to another sheep or to a future purchase.

All animals will have their CD/T shots and Scrapie tags and will be registered with CLRC. Those traveling across state lines will also have a veterinary certificate. In addition, all lambs will be halter-trained.

Trinity Farm maintains a closed flock, and the sheep are free of Scrapie, OPP, CL, and hoof-rot.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me! 

Note that lambs indicated as NFS are likely to stay at Trinity Farm as breeding stock, but may become available at a later time.  

Disclaimer:  Many lambs do not like to go into the "perfect pose" when there is a camera anywhere nearby.  Lamb pictures will be updated as the lambs grow (and cooperate).

EWES

RAMS