What is a Texel sheep? (Texel sheep)
The Texel sheep (Dutch: Texel sheep) originates from the Dutch island of Texel. It is a true Dutch breed of sheep and also the best-known sheep breed in the Netherlands. In addition to the Netherlands, this breed can now also be found in other countries such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Uruguay. It is a woolly sheep with a fleece length ranging from 3 to 12 cm. The sheepskin comes in various colors, such as white, brown, black, or piebald (two colors).
What are the characteristics of Texel sheep?
Texel sheep are of medium weight and well-muscled. In addition, this breed has a short but broad build and no horns. The sheep’s wool is fine and dense, and contains no excess wool grease. The sheep are sheared once a year, yielding approximately 5 kilograms of wool. The head and legs of the Texel sheep are not covered in wool but have short, fine hairs.
An adult ram has a weight of about 95 kilograms and a withers height of ± 70cm. An adult ewe has a weight of about 75 kilograms and a withersheight of ± 70cm, just like a ram. At birth a lamb weighs 4 to 5 kilograms. The gestation period for sheep is about 5 months. A ewe can give birth to two lambs at a time (sometimes more), but only once a year. When a ewe is a year old, the first litter can already take place.
The History of the Texel sheep
The Texel sheep owe their name to their place of origin, Texel, in the Netherlands. Historical records show that sheep have grazed on Texel since as early as 1447. The Texel sheep descends from the Pielsteert, which was also known as the small Texel short-tailed sheep. Pielsteert sheep roamed the island until around 1860. Around 1860, the Pielsteert sheep were crossed with various English breeds, such as the Lincoln, Leicester, and Wensleydale sheep. This crossbreeding resulted in the development of a stable breed and significantly improved the quality of both the meat and the wool.
In 1933, the Texel sheep was introduced to France and is primarily found in the northern provinces. And in 1970, the British also became familiar with the Dutch Texel sheep. England was eager to see what the Texel sheep could offer them compared to their own livestock and quickly concluded that Texel sheep produced excellent wool and meat. Today, the Texel sheep is one of the better-known sheep breeds in the Netherlands and also one of the most important.
Sheepskins at Leatheroverstock
The Texel sheep is the best-known Dutch wool sheep, with dense and fine wool. Are you looking for a soft sheepskin with medium-length wool? Then check out the sheepskins with medium-length wool or all genuine sheepskins. Each sheepskin has been photographed individually.
More sheep breeds: Zwartbles sheep, Drenthe Heath sheep, Jacob sheep, Racka sheep, or view all sheep breeds.