Loaghtan Sheep

The name is derived from the colour of the fleece - Lugh (mouse) and Dhoan (brown) being very descriptive (an alternative is from Lhost dhoan (Burnt brown) - Name sometimes given as Loaghtyn or Loghtan. As the outer fleece bleaches in the sunlight when woven the cloth has a slightly speckled appearance. The wool is not usually dyed as chemical bleaching would damage it,.

It is one of the ancient breeds of sheep, native to Mann; believed to have been on the Island for over 1,000 years - there is no evidence of it having been brought over by the Vikings.

Described as a hardy animal with good mothering instincts - brown down to its feet although lambs are born black this colour starts to change from about 2 weeks old. Multihorned - usually four but sometimes six. As a small breed, there is no wool on the face or legs, and the face and legs are of a dark brown colour. Manx Loaghtan are horned with four horns being preferred but individuals are also found with two or six horns. The horns are generally small on the ewes but are larger and stronger on the males.