Coburger Fuchsschaf

The Coburg Fox Sheep (also Coburg Fox) is a breed of domestic sheep (Ovis aries gmelini ). It is an undemanding and resistant old country sheep breed that was once widespread particularly in barren mountain landscapes.

A special feature of the Coburg Fox sheep is its color. At birth, the lambs have a golden yellow to reddish-brown color; the color of the wool lightens over time, but also in adult animals generally have a slightly reddish tinge; on the head and the legs remains the original reddish-brown. Many animals also have a dorsal stripe. As a breeding goal a medium sized sheep with a narrow, hornless head and slightly drooping ears is desired. Since 1966, the breed is recognized as a country breed of sheep from the DLG.

Due to the small population size, the attitude of Coburg Fox Sheep in Bavaria and Lower Saxony is financially supported. Some zoos also the conservation breeding of this ancient race have taken.

Economic Importance

There are only a few thousand animals, is correspondingly small wool production. Of these, only about 3000 kg per year are suitable for carpet production. There are a few vendors that sell carpets from this wool (including: Green Earth, Finkhof ). Producers Cooperative " The Golden Fleece eg" can weave the wool of this breed for over 50 different products, including insoles, socks, various outerwear, sweater and cap.

Mutton and sheep in ÖBG Bayreuth

Coburg Fox Sheep in the Cologne Zoo