Key Characteristics

Particular value is placed on the breed's ability to survive in harsh upland areas as well as to make the best use of richer lowland pastures. Anecdotal evidence suggests they have good feet and few footrot problems. Llanwenogs are known for their prolificacy. Well managed lowland flocks can exceed a lambing percentage of 200%, although 180% is more normal. Lambs are small and there are few lambing problems. 

• A well balanced sheep with a thick white fleece and characteristic tuft or topknot above the head.
• Ewes weigh around 55-60kg and rams, 80-90kg.
• The head and ears are black.
• Both ewes and rams are polled.

History

• The Llanwenog derived from the cross of the Shropshire with various local black faced hill breeds in the Teifi valley in West Wales in the late 19th century.
• The Llanwenog Breed Society was formed in 1957.
• The breed is still centred in West Wales but has spread throughout the UK.

Uses

The ewe is an ideal purebred for a lowland flock and can compare with the Lleyn in terms of lambing % and maternal instincts. When crossed with a terminal sire a good meat lamb is produced.

The lambs grow quite quickly reaching 15.2kg at 8 weeks old and the purebred Llanwenog can kill out at 16-18kg at 4-5 months. Crossbred lambs can kill out at slightly higher weights and better grades in the same timeframe. The Llanwenog is a popular pure breed for supplying farm shops and the meat has a good reputation.

Staple length 6-10cm. Fleece weight 2- 2.5kg. Quality 50s-56s.

Did you know?

For a time, the Llanwenogs were called many names, from "Blackface" to "Shropshire Crosses" but the breed was finally named Llanwenog in 1957, after the area where many of the animals lived. 

Breed Societies

For more information about the breed visit the The Llanwenog Sheep Society