Leicester Longwool

Looks how to spot one

Long, lustrous wool

The Leicester Longwool has a heavy, curly fleece with a fine lustre and a spiral-tipped staple that can grow up to eight inches long. The wool hangs in distinct locks and is soft to the touch, making it highly prized by hand spinners.76

Personality what they are like

Leicester Longwools are calm, docile and easy to handle, though they can be stubborn if herded with dogs. They are friendly and can be bucket trained, but their large size means firm handling is needed. They are alert and robust, with a good temperament.475

Daily activity how busy a day looks

They are eager grazers and thrive on productive lowland pasture. They need space to roam and forage, and do well in rotational or mob grazing systems. They are not suited to being kept in small, confined areas.57

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

They need shearing twice a year to manage their heavy fleece. Their hooves should be checked regularly and trimmed as needed. They are generally hardy but need shelter from prolonged wet weather, as their long wool can become waterlogged.75

Home where they are happiest

They need secure, well-fenced pasture with access to shelter. They are sound-footed and can manage on flat, hilly or marginal land. Fresh water and mineral supplements should always be available. They are hardy in cold conditions but less suited to prolonged wet periods.15

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Primarily grass and forage. They are efficient converters of pasture and thrive on good-quality lowland grazing. In winter or when pasture is sparse, they may need hay or silage. A balanced mineral lick is recommended.57

Company who they like around

Sheep are flock animals and must be kept with at least one other sheep. Leicester Longwools are docile and get along well with others, but they do not like being herded by dogs. They can be kept in mixed flocks with other breeds. They are suitable for hobby keepers with adequate land and experience.47

The story where it all began

The Leicester Longwool was created in the mid-1700s by Robert Bakewell, a pioneer of modern livestock breeding. Working at Dishley Grange in Leicestershire, he transformed the old, slow-growing, coarse-boned Leicester sheep into a faster-maturing animal with a better carcass and finer fleece. His methods influenced later scientists like Charles Darwin and Gregor Mendel. The breed became one of the first pure sheep breeds introduced to Australia in 1826 and has been used to improve many other breeds, including the Wensleydale, Border Leicester and Lleyn. By the early 1900s it had declined in North America, but was re-established in the 1990s by Colonial Williamsburg using imports from Australia. Today it remains rare globally and is listed as Threatened by The Livestock Conservancy.1275

Recognised by the official bits

The Livestock Conservancy

Listed as Threatened7

Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST)

Watchlist breed5