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Shetland sheep are a small breed of wool-producing sheep native to the Shetland Islands. These islands, located north of mainland Scotland, have a rugged climate and limited food supply, which contributed to the development of smaller livestock breeds, including Shetland sheep.12

The fine wool from these sheep is known as Shetland wool and has been used for spinning and knitting distinctive patterns, such as Shetland and Fair Isle. The sheep are one of the smallest breeds of wool-producing sheep.321

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