Origin: Developed in the US from sheep imported from the Middle-East
Distribution – United States
Uses – Mainly meat
Status - Watch
The Tunis is a visually striking breed which exemplifies many traits found in traditional breeds of livestock. The Tunis have a long history within the United States - originally descending from fat-tailed sheep imported from Tunisia (off the coast of Africa). These imports were crossed with sheep commonly found on small farms in the late 1700's to create the Tunis breed, making it one of the oldest breeds developed in America.
These sheep have beautiful copper colored guard hairs, long pendulous ears and calm, friendly personalities. Tunis are extremely hardy and heat tolerant, allowing them to thrive and produce where many breeds would fail. They have long production lives, often twin and are good mothers. They are also known for the delicate flavor of both lamb and mutton.
ALBC has Tunis listed in the Watch category of their Conservation Priority List, and although the breed has been steadily gaining in popularity in recent years there are certain strains which are not being maintained. These are the more traditional Tunis which have not been bred specifically for the show ring or lamb production.
Registry:
National Tunis Sheep Registry, Inc.
Judy Harris, Registry Clerk
819 Lyons St
Ludlow, MA 01056
www.tunissheep.org
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