These sheep take their name from the Island of Ousessant (Ushant in English) which is located off the western tip of Bretagne in France. The island is about 15 square kilometres in size and stands at the southern entrance into the English Channel. The Ouessant sheep have inhabited this island since the 1700s and have thrived in the rocky and rustic environment. Their small size was favoured by women who generally tended the flocks while men were away fishing. Once numbering over 6000 (mid-1800s), only about 3000 are in existence today.
Ouessants are a small race being only about 45-49 centimetres, not much larger than a medium-size dog. The ram has long curving horns. The original (and accepted) colours are black and white. Today, other colour varieties are being developed as there is renewed interest in this breed for those with large gardens or wishing to keep them as pets. In France, there is a group of dedicated breeders interested in keeping this race from becoming extinct GEMO and they hold a national championship exposition each year.
Sheering takes place in April and the sheep are very frisky after a good shave as can be seen in this short video.
Like most sheep, Ouessants need to be sheared once per year and the hooves trimmed occasionally. Otherwise, they are very easy to keep and require little care. They eat only grass and need hay in winter (when grass is not available). A shelter is recommended as they do not enjoy standing in the rain.
All sheared for summer
A female (ewe) can give birth once per year in the spring and usually to a single lamb. Pictured is a ewe who has just given birth. The lamb can stand up and run around immediately after birth.
Although some people eat their Ouessants (we could never do that !), they are really more suited as pets. They can be easily trained like a dog walking on leash, playing with other animals or children just be careful of the rams as they like to ram everything including you. They need to be trained not to do this at an early age or it can become a problem. As pets they are really adorable and like the companionship of other animals or humans. Because of the small size, they can be easily held in your arms.
Newborn Lamb
Young Ram
Rambo
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