Tsigai

The Tsigai, probably of Asia Minor origin, reached Hungary from the Balkan Peninsula at the end of the 18th century. Its wider spread is probably due to its wool, finer than that of the local breeds, and it later became popular as a milking sheep on small farms.

A medium-to-large sheep with strong bone. The mountain type is shorter and deeper-ribbed, the lowland type larger and rangier. The eyes are large, dark and lively; the ears are medium-long, carried horizontally or slightly drooping; the mouth lining and tongue are slate grey.

The white fleece in staples covers the head (except the face), the neck and the body, usually reaching halfway down the forearm and lower thigh. The breeding goal is to keep its sound constitution, high resilience, good maternal traits and milking ability under extensive conditions.