Gotland Pelt Sheep

A Rare Breed of Baltic Origin

Gotland Pelt sheep in North Canterbury (Trotter/McCulloch photo)

      The Goltand Pelt first arrived in New Zealand in the 1980s and was released from quarantine in 1990. It originated on the large Baltic island of Gotland which comes under Swedish rule. It is kept almost entirely for its fleece which is extremely soft, silvery-grey, and curly. Its face and legs are black. The Gotland is very hardy and has good fertility. The lambs are born jet black and were originally slaughtered for their skins when only a few months old – hence the name, Gotland Pelt.

      Less than a thousand can be found in New Zealand.

•   Breeders Directory   •
•   Gotland Wool  •