Sheep

Llanwenog

2008 Watchlist; Category 6, Other native breeds.

The breed originated in West Wales in the late 19th century from the mixture of several breeds from Wales and the Welsh Borders, including the horned Llanllwni (now extinct), Welsh Mountain, Shropshire and Clun Forest. Their native range is the Teifi valley area of west Wales. The Llanwenog Breed Society was formed in 1957. The breed has spread into England, but the main concentration remains in Dyfed.

The Llanwenog is a medium-sized shortwool breed. It has black legs and head with a tuft of wool on the forehead. The wool is of high quality and is used for hosiery, hand knitting, high quality tweeds and hand spinning.  

It is a docile and easily managed sheep. Its main purpose is to produce prime meat lambs from grass. In the 1970s it received wide acclaim for its success in the National Lambing Competition, and it continues to hold a reputation as a prolific sheep, with a majority of twins.

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