 Origin: Britain
Distribution: Flocks in US, Canada and Europe Uses: Wool, milk, and meat Status: Rare Breed Features: Cotswolds have a fleece with an average length of 10 to 13 inches, weighing up to fifteen pounds. Their wool hangs in locks from their body and covers their upper legs and head, with a long forelock that hangs over their face. Most animals are completely white, and registration of black sheep has only been permitted recently. Mature sheep weigh between 200 and 300 pounds, and the breed’s temperament is generally docile. History: Modern-day Cotswolds were developed between 1780 and 1820 in the Cotswold Hills of England, and may have origins among the sheep brought by the Romans as early as 2,000 years ago. They were imported to the United States during the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. The American Cotswold Record Association was established in 1878. This breed was originally used for their ability to produce wool while grazing. Cotswolds raise large, slow-growing lambs, so their use as a meat breed is limited. However, they were often crossed with fine-wool breeds to produce lambs that could be used for meat or wool. Because of this, demand for purebred Cotswold sheep declined, leaving them a rare breed. Their has been a minor resurgence of interest by wool crafters in the breed over the past 20 years. Breed Associations: American Cotswold Record Association
P.O. Box 59
Plympton, MA 02367
(617) 585-2026 Black Cotswold Society
P.O. Box 542
Goffstown, NH 03045
(603) 774-4104 Cotswold Breeders Association
15908 E. Willis Rd.
Gilbert, AZ 85296
(620) 988-3832
email: kaminskicotswold@mris.com | 
