Different breeds of sheep shear differently because they have distinct fleece types, body shapes, and temperaments, all of which affect how the wool comes off and how the animal needs to be handled.

Some breeds grow fine, dense wool that sits tightly on the body, while others produce coarser or longer fleeces that lift away more easily. Primitive and hill breeds often have double coats or shed naturally, which can make the fleece come away unevenly compared with modern lowland breeds. Body shape also matters — differences in size, muscle, and bone structure change how a sheep is positioned and supported during shearing. Temperament plays a role too, as calmer breeds are generally easier and quicker to shear than more active or flighty ones. Because of this, an experienced shearer adjusts technique, pace, and handling to suit each breed, ensuring an efficient shear while keeping stress to a minimum.

I’ve shorn a wide range of sheep breeds over the years, from hardy hill breeds to larger lowland and rare-breed sheep. This includes common UK breeds such as Suffolk, Texel, Romney, and Dorset, as well as primitive and heritage breeds like Shetland, Soay, and Hebridean. I also regularly work with crossbreeds and pet sheep, adapting my shearing approach to suit each breed’s fleece type, temperament, and handling needs, always with animal welfare as the priority.