Hog Island sheep
Hog Island sheep kept at George Washington's Mount Vernon estate | |
| Conservation status | Critical |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | United States |
| Traits | |
| Weight |
|
| Wool color | most individuals white (about 10% are black) |
| Face color | white with black speckles |
| |
Hog Island sheep are a breed of sheep descended from animals first brought to Virginia's Hog Island in the 18th century. During the 1930s and 1940s, storm conditions forced the island's residents to evacuate, leaving some sheep behind. These sheep adapted to the environment free of human intervention, becoming feral.
The breed is preserved by various organizations because of its relevance to American history and its resemblance to historical American sheep. It also possesses some traits that have been somewhat lost in more modern breeds.