Harlequin sheep are known for easy handling and docile dispositions. They are nurturing mothers and often have multiple lambs. Their small size and easy keeping metabolism require less acreage per animal compared to other breeds.
HEAD
The
characteristics of the head give each breed its individuality & uniqueness. The Miniature Harlequin is naturally polled. The head is medium length and moderately broad, but not so broad to be a birthing obstruction, and with medium
length.
MUZZLE & FACE
The muzzle and face should be moderate in width to ensure efficient grazing and moderate in length, straight to slightly dished but not Roman.
EARS
Ears are of medium thickness, moderate in
length, level to the poll, proportionate to the head and preferably covered with wool.
Short rough hair is acceptable, slick ears are discriminated against. Black or brown-specked ear skin is common.
EYES
Eyes
should large, bright, brown to yellow or even blue.
INCISOR TEETH
Incisor teeth should meet the dental pad.
NECK
Neck, wide at the base and laid well into the shoulders, with skin free of wrinkles.
CHEST
Wide
and deep.
SIZE
Measurements are at the shoulder and perpendicular to the ground on shorn sheep.
Harlequin Sheep should be under 24" tall at shoulder
COLORS
Harlequins are known for varying patterns
of black and white spots as lambs maturing to cocoa brown, shades of white, gray and black.
Wool is of medium character. Micron count ranges from 25- 35 microns and yearly staple length from 3”- 6”. The fiber is highly crimped. Some fleeces are open with luster and individual locks while others have a closed fleece that is shorter with less luster and a disorganized crimp structure. The wool should be dense and consistent from the shoulder to the hip and as far back on the leg as possible. Fleeces are 4-8 lbs per year. Fleeces should not part along the back and kemp should not be present. Quilting may be present and is not considered a fault. Harlequins are single coated. Wool is spotted in many cases but single color sheep aare also found and not to be faulted..
SHOULDERS
Shoulders should be well muscled, well laid into the ribs and level with the back. The width at the shoulders should be less than the width at the hips to facilitate easy lambing.
LOIN
The
LOIN should be long, wide and thick.
RIBS
The ribs should be deep and wide, thick through the heart girth & well sprung
Short to Medium length, straight legs should stand squarely at each corner. Rear legs should stand wide but squarely under the sheep with some angulations of the hocks and slight angulations of the pasterns.
RUMP
The
rump should be wide and long
TAIL
Large and set almost level with chin.
THIGHS
Thighs should show medium muscling.
HOOVES
Hooves come in a variety of colors.