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The Ouessant Sheep Society

The wonderful Ouessant sheep is a rare breed of heritage sheep originally from the island of Ouessant in Brittany. Ouessants are renowned for their character, their hardiness and for their status as the smallest naturally occurring breed of sheep in the world.

The Ouessant Sheep Society was formed by a group of like minded breeders and enthusiasts in February 2005 and has since grown to include over 100 flocks across the UK. The Society exists to protect, promote and improve the Ouessant breed, providing members with information and advice on the care and welfare of Ouessants, and representing the interests of owners and their sheep in the UK and abroad.

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The Breed

The Isle of Ouessant, off the coast of Brittany, is swept by the full force of Atlantic weather, and its hardy sheep adapted to survive in all weathers on poor grazing. As a result, the Ouessant is the smallest recognized breed of sheep in the world, with a ram’s shoulder height up to 49cm and a ewe’s up to 46cm (around 18 inches). The sheep are intelligent, inquisitive and full of character and their highly-prized wool may be black, brown or white, with some variation of these basic colours.

Follow the link to read more about the origins, history and characteristics of this unique breed of heritage sheep.

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Membership

Members have access to a wide range of Society resources, including the flock book register of all pedigree Ouessants in the UK, advice on care and welfare, discussion forums, regional events and the ability to advertise sheep for sale or hire.

More information is available under the Society menu item, or to join the Society, click on the link below:

JOIN THE SOCIETY

Buying Ouessants

The Society maintains a register of all pedigree Ouessant sheep in the UK and Members may advertise sheep for sale and hire in the Society Marketplace. The Society makes no guarantees but strongly recommends that prospective buyers use the Marketplace. When buying elsewhere they are advised to check the vendor is a Society member and that the sheep is a registered Ouessant, with a valid registration certificate. Read more buying advice and see the latest ads below - the menu link to the Marketplace is under 'The Breed' above.

MORE BUYING ADVICE