What Kind Of Sheep Should I Get?

Bringing home fresh training sheep always feels a bit like Christmas on the farm. As I transported the latest additions, I reflected on my early experiences with sheep—and the lessons learned along the way.

🚫 The Early Missteps

My first foray into sheep ownership involved six cull ewes that had been extensively worked by another novice handler and myself for over a year. They were reliable in that they never strayed, but their over-familiarity meant they clung to me during training sessions, making it challenging to work my dog effectively.

Seeking a fresh start, I acquired some older, undogged ewes. One promptly lambed, and I quickly discovered that an untrained dog is no match for a protective ewe. My commands fell on deaf ears as my dog hesitated to engage.

Third time’s the charm, right? I purchased six yearling Katahdin ewes, which proved to be easygoing and responsive. Emboldened, I added a ram to the mix, envisioning a profitable venture. However, the ram revealed the inadequacies of my fencing, leading to more construction. As the ewes became heavily bred, working them with my inexperienced dog was no longer feasible. I already knew the challenges of working dogs with ewes and fresh lambs.

This cycle led to more sheep, more fencing, and the realization that I was spending more time on sheep maintenance than on dog training.

🧭 Navigating Sheep Selection

The question I often hear is, “What kind of sheep should I get?” While it seems straightforward, the answer is nuanced.

In an ideal world, I’d have 1,000 ewes spanning five different breeds, grazing across diverse terrains. Reality, however, is 25 acres—one-third of which is bush—and a modest flock of a couple dozen sheep.

For beginners, simplicity is key. Initially, avoid breeding; instead, purchase sheep from experienced handlers. Lightly dogged sheep are invaluable for training young dogs. If you can find such sheep, be prepared to pay a fair price. Good sheep are your best training partners.

Hair sheep, particularly Katahdins, are excellent for novices. They don’t require shearing, are generally docile, and possess good stamina. While Barbados sheep have a reputation for fence-jumping, in my experience, respectful handling mitigates this behaviour.

Wool sheep offer variety, but through trial and error, you’ll discern which breeds suit your needs. Suffolks, for instance, are known for being challenging.

Over time, you’ll identify a breed or mix that aligns with your training objectives. Personally, I maintain a mix of lighter and heavier sheep to provide diverse training scenarios for my dogs. I also lamb a few ewes annually to expose my dogs to different stages of sheep development. Sharing or selling the ram post-breeding season simplifies management.

🐾 Embracing the Learning Curve

It’s common to “ruin” your first sheep. As you gain experience, you’ll learn to prevent your dogs from constantly chasing sheep, leading to more cooperative animals. This journey is a rite of passage for most new handlers.

You might feel like you’ve “ruined” a dog during this process, especially on challenging days. Sheep have a way of presenting unexpected predicaments, teaching hard-earned lessons. These experiences are foundational in our field, providing stories to share under the handler’s tent.

After a few seasons of raising your own sheep, you’ll develop a profound respect for shepherds managing large flocks. This appreciation is another milestone in your journey.

🌱 Farm Updates

The ewes and lambs are thriving, enjoying the fresh grass and spring sunshine. The new training sheep are settling in, and the dogs and I are eager to commence training sessions in the neighbour’s fields.

Spring is in full swing—the robins and bluebirds have returned, and the aspens are budding. It’s a beautiful time on the farm.

My tomatoes are doing well, and I'll transplant them out into the greenhouse soon. I'm already starting to prep the garden. It's a great time of year to be outside! 

Whether you’re just starting out or refining your setup, the sheep you choose will shape your dog’s development — and your own. Don’t worry about getting it perfect on the first try. Like everything in herding, learning comes one step, one dog, and yes, sometimes one misstep at a time.