Gotland sheep are a fine boned, medium size sheep from the island of Gotland, off the coast of Sweden, known for their fine curly fleece, friendly and curious personalities, and graceful appearance. Prized by fiber artists and farmers alike, Gotlands are becoming an increasingly popular sheep breed in Canada and across North America for both fleece and breeding programs.
At Iron Maple Farm in Nova Scotia, we raise high-percentage and North American purebred
Gotland sheep that reflect the breed’s original charm and function — hardy, elegant animals with outstanding wool and calm temperaments.
Breed Origin and History
Gotland Sheep trace their roots to the Swedish island of Gotland, where they were first established by the Vikings.
The Vikings were skilled sheep farmers. On their journeys deep into Russia, they acquired Karakul and Romanov sheep and crossed them with the island’s native landrace sheep. These hardy animals traveled with the Vikings on long voyages, providing meat and skins along the way.
Over time, these travels contributed to the spread of northern short-tailed sheep and the development of related breeds such as Gute, Icelandic, Finnsheep, Shetland, North Ronaldsay, and Manx. The original primitive horned Gotland sheep—still known as Gute—can still be found on the island today.
The modern Gotland, or Gotland Peltsheep (pälsfår), was developed in Sweden during the 1920s through careful breeding and selection. This work produced a true multipurpose sheep, prized for its flavorful, close-grained meat, beautiful furskins, and soft, silky fleece with a natural lustrous sheen.
Gotlands descend from the ancient Gute sheep of Sweden, and were selectively bred in the 1920s to create a more refined animal. The breed was enhanced with Karakul and Romanov bloodlines to improve fleece and production traits, while maintaining the distinct silver-gray look and soft curly fleece Gotlands are now known for.
Gotland Sheep in North America
Gotland sheep were first introduced to North America in the early 2000s through artificial insemination (AI) and careful breed-up programs using foundation breeds like Finnsheep. With no direct importation of live animals allowed, North American breeders used foundation breeds and imported Gotland semen to build flocks.
Today, North American breeders continue to work toward purebred status using high-percentage breeding stock, imported semen and embryos. The American Gotland Sheep Society (AGSS) and other groups help track genetics, support breeders, and maintain breed integrity.
Although the breed is still relatively rare in Canada, there is a growing population of high-percentage Gotland sheep, offering fleece artists, shepherds, and homesteaders access to this extraordinary breed.
Breed Traits and Characteristics
Gotlands are a medium-sized, alert, and intelligent breed. They have short, naturally undocked tails, black noses, and expressive faces free of wool. Their bodies are elegant yet strong — ideal for pasture-based farming.
Key traits include:
- Fleece: Lustrous, soft, and curly in silver to charcoal gray shades
- Temperament: Calm, friendly, and highly trainable
- Mothering Ability: Strong maternal instincts and easy lambing
- Adaptability: Thrive in various climates and pasture conditions
Fleece Quality and Fiber Use
Gotland fleece is highly sought-after by spinners, felters, and textile artists. It has a soft hand, tight uniform curls, and a beautiful natural sheen. The fleece is ideal for fine yarns, outerwear, felting projects, and luxury wool products.
- Micron Count: Typically 28–34 microns in adults
- Staple Length: 3 to 6 inches
- Color: Silver-gray to nearly black
- Use: Spinning, felting, pelts, blended yarns
Why We Raise Gotlands
At Iron Maple Farm, we chose Gotland sheep for their fiber, personality, and practicality. They are calm and easy to manage, produce consistent high-quality fleece, and thrive in our rotational grazing system. We’re dedicated to raising sheep that reflect the breed’s best qualities and are proud to support the continued development of Gotlands in Canada.
Learn More or Join Our Waitlist
We occasionally have high-percentage Gotland lambs, fleece, and breeding stock available. If you’re interested in this rare and valuable breed, visit our Available Gotland Sheep page or Contact Us to be added to our waitlist.