Tyrolean mountain sheep
The Tiroler Bergschaf is a traditional sheep breed of Tyrol. Almost 100 years ago, the Tyrolean mountain sheep almost became extinct and was only promoted again years later through organised breeding.
The colour of the Tyrolean mountain sheep
The fur of the Tyrolean mountain sheep can range from white to dark brown. For our felt slippers we mainly use brown wool. To get a consistent colour result we have to blend the wool under a special method. The wool is very robust and hard-wearing with a medium fineness.
The wool of the Tyrolean mountain sheep
The wool of the Tyrolean mountain sheep consists of medium-length pile wool with a fine undercoat and coarse top coat. The wool is white, grey or brown. It is wavy with a medium fineness. Due to its structure, the wool is very resistant and is particularly suitable for areas with high precipitation.
The home of the Tyrolean mountain sheep
The Tyrolean mountain sheep is the most widespread sheep breed in Austria. It has a population of about 10,778 animals and is bred throughout Austria. The robust and undemanding nature of the Tyrolean mountain sheep makes it particularly suitable for the use of alpine areas. The sheep are ideal landscape maintainers for alpine pastures.
The physical characteristics of the Tyrolean mountain sheep
The Tyrolean Mountain Sheep is a very robust, medium-sized sheep with a moderate ram head with long, broad and drooping ears. The wool of the Tyrolean Mountain Sheep can be dark brown to white. Patches are undesirable. The oestrus is aseasonal. With its strong maternal instinct, the Steinschaf is superior to the other breeds kept in Tyrol. Males can reach a weight of 70-120 kg. Females are somewhat smaller and about 10-20 kg lighter than bucks. The animals are shorn twice a year and the wool yield is between 3-5 kg per sheep.
