A rare heritage breed originating from the island of Ouessant off the coast of Brittany, France, shaped by harsh Atlantic conditions and poor grazing. Ouessants are renowned for their hardiness, character, and charm.

Ouessants were first imported to the UK in the 1990s, with further introductions in the 2000s from France and Holland. Today they are kept in small flocks, or on smallholdings, valued for their manageable size, friendly temperament, and low-maintenance nature. 

The Breed

Ouessant sheep are black, white or brown and have a thick fleece of long wool with a dense undercoat. The fleece is of good quality with an average thickness of 25-28 microns and is highly valued for spinning and weaving . The mix of natural colours makes the wool particularly desirable. 

Rams carry impressive, outward turning horns and ewes are polled (do not have horns) though some vestige of horn bud can sometimes be seen.

Tails are naturally short and not docked. Adult rams should have a maximum height at the shoulder of 49cm and Ewes 46cm.

Ewes characteristically give birth  to single lambs which are quick to their feet and eager to the teat.  Ewes are keenly protective, milky and attentive to their lambs, making them excellent mothers. Twins do occur but are not typical.

Ouessant are extremely hardy and are considered a low maintenance breed with few health concerns. Ouessants are typically far friendlier than other primitive breeds, easy to tame and can make excellent pets.   They are intelligent, inquisitive, gentle and full of character.