Description1
A medium-sized Welsh ewe from the Llŷn peninsula, kept for its highly respected maternal traits. It traces back to Irish Roscommon sheep of Dishley Leicester blood; Welsh breeders chose rams from twins and triplets, preserving its prolificacy.
Its head is distinctive and feminine, warm white with a wide forehead and black nose; legs carry no wool below the hock. The fleece is dense, high-quality and kemp-free; rams are hornless.
It nearly disappeared after World War II; after the society was founded in 1970/71 it spread quickly, with 150 members by 1982. Current lambing figures, body weights and population are not in the source (tbc).
History1
Early 19th century
Irish Roscommon ewes arrive on the Llŷn peninsula and are crossed with local Welsh sheep.
1960s
Only seven breeders and about 500 ewes remain; a Leicester Longwool ram in 1965 eases inbreeding.
1970–1971
The Lleyn Sheep Society and flock book are founded; in 1976 selected stock go to Ireland, later used for the Belclare.
Breed standard and breed society
The official breed description, breeding goal and herdbook rules are published by the breed's recognised breed society.
- Lleyn Sheep Society – History of the Lleynhttps://www.lleynsheep.com/society/history-part-1
Photo gallery
All photos are freely licensed (Wikimedia Commons, Flickr); author, source and licence are shown under each image.
Sources
Accessed: 2026-10-18.