I raise Icelandic sheep and they are a hardy, triple-purpose heritage breed. They produce a highly versatile double fleece that can be combined through combing or carding. Or the 2 fleeces can be separated for endless variety. They come in a huge variety of patterns and colors.
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My ewes lactate for ~5 months and usually twin after their first year. Most Americans don't milk their sheep, but they used to be the primary dairy animal of Iceland. I make sure to always buy ewes with large udders with quality ligaments and good size forward-facing teats for hand milking, or their daughters.
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My potential breeding rams are the most scrutinized of all. They must have excellent fleece (soft, strong, long tog with decent curls); dense, soft and crimpy thel; thick, wide horns (though they also come in polled); good body structure and muscling; a mother and grandmothers with fantastic udders, and a calm temperament. I also bred for parasite and disease resistance, lambing ease, various colors and patterns, and friendly ewes.
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My goal is a small flock of well-rounded triple-purpose sheep. We eat most of our ram lambs and none of them are neutered. They taste amazing and are ready to harvest before breeding season. This breed also grows fleece so fast that you get 2 harvests of wool (spring and fall) every year.
