HISTORY  OF THE ICELANDIC  SHEEP

LEADER SHEEP                       special Characteristics

The Icelandic sheep is one of the world's oldest and purest breeds of sheep. They were first brought to Iceland between 874 A.D. and 1100 A.D. by the Vikings.       The sheep adapted well to the harsh weather conditions and thrived on the sparse grasses and seaweed of the rough and rocky terrain.        The Vikings were well known for their ability to survive the harsh Scandinavian climates, so it is easy to see why the Icelandic sheep may have been prized above all other live stock.         This Unique Breed of Sheep met the many needs of these Ancient People, serving as a source of meat, and milk, (Used in cheese production in Iceland for many centuries.) Pelts were used for clothing, and wool was used in FELT making which dates back to these ancient times, well before the discovery of Weaving.         Both Ewes and Rams can be polled or horned. Horns were used for buttons, tools and weapons, etc.          The ewes are very prolific with twins being normal and triplets not uncommon. The sheep have remarkable longevity.You can see why the Icelandic Sheep was valued among an Ancient People.

There is in this breed certain calm, quiet, super intuitive, and intelligent individuals that are called Leader Sheep in Iceland. No breed has this unusual attribute. Leader Sheep, for example, had the uncanny ability to sense dangerous storms and lead the flock home through "white-out" blizzard conditions, thus saving the lives of shepherd and flock. The animals have been bred for that trait for a 1000 years and are prized in Iceland.           We are very pleased to have some Leader Sheep in our flock!

Leadersheep article taken from the Icelandic sheep breeders of North America Newsletter (written by Olafur R D rmundsson)     Issue four-Fall 2002 (page 4) With permission from the ISBONA President.

LEADERSHEEP There has been a growing interest in recent years in strengthening efforts to preserve the unique leadersheep strain of the Icelandic sheep breed. Leadersheep have also attracted attention amongst breeders of Icelandic sheep in North America. In a survey carried out 10 years ago, 960 purebred and 490 crossbred leadersheep were recorded in the country of Iceland. Most of the purebred leaders are in NE-Iceland but they are found in all parts of the country. Leaderrams have been kept at Sheep A.I. centres for over 40 years and this has helped a great deal to preserve this unique strain of sheep. A nordic study (NGH) is now in progress on the origin of Nordic sheep breeds and strains. A DNA analysis has already indicated that leadersheep are unique within the Iceland breed and further information is expected about their genetic background. The Leader-sheep Society of Iceland, founded in April 2000, has now 150 members. It will place emphasis on individual recording and the collection of more up-to-date information on the distribution of leadersheep in the country.

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