Become a fan of h2g2 The Blackface sheep is the most common hill
breed in Scotland. They are extremely hardy and can survive in
the harsh climate associated with the hills of Scotland. All
Blackface sheep have horns and have black and white legs and
face. The fleece should be completely white. Their wool is
mainly used to make carpets or mattresses. When kept on the
hill, Blackface ewes will stay within an area that they will get
to know very well (this is called hefting). They will know the
best area to find shelter, and the best area to find good grass.
The ewe will pass this information on to her daughters. It is
not recommended to buy in flock replacements for hill farms as
the sheep may get lost, or die in the extreme weather as they do
not know where to find shelter. Blackface sheep are bred pure to
produce flock replacements or small carcass weight lambs,
generally for the European market. The Blackface ewes are often
crossed with a sire such as a Border Leicester or Continental
sire to produce ewes th