The Black Welsh Mountain Sheep, now considered a rare breed, was developed during the Middle Ages in Wales.  The black wool, referred to as Cochddu, was very popular during this period.  Shepherds began to select specifically for the black fleece, resulting in the development of the breed.  They are the only completely black breed of sheep found in the UK.  They have no wool on the face or on the legs below the knee and hock.  They have a long tail with no wool on the underside - making them very resistant to fly strike.  The tail is not docked traditionally. 

The wool of the Black Welsh Mountain Sheep is considered a specialty  type.  Fleece weights range between 2.5 and 4 pounds, with a staple length of 3 to 6 inches.  There is also a market for the pelts. 

As with other ancient breeds, the Black Welsh Mountain Sheep are small, hardy, and alert.  Rams are up tp 24 inches tall and average around 100 pounds.  They have a striking horn set, black and full-curved.  The ewes are somewhat smaller and are polled.  The have few lambing problems, and good mothering instincts.  In fact it is rare to see a lambing because the ewes still retain the instinct to lamb in private and hide their lambs.

At Riversong Farms we are interested in the preservation of rare farm breeds.  Their survival means the survival of some of the priceless genetic material from which many of the modern, specialized breeds were developed.  The Black Welsh Mountain Sheep is a unique animal, and makes an interesting and enjoyable addition to any farm.  Their small size and hardiness makes them perfectly suited to the small acreage, or those who are looking for a sheep that is easy to manage.  The rams also make a good choice for commercial operations, for breeding first-time ewe lambs.

We usually have a limited number of breeding stock available each year.  Our stock is purebred and registered with the American Black Welsh Mountain Sheep Association.