Bluefaced Leicester facts for kids
A Bluefaced Leicester ewe and her lambs
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| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
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| Traits | |
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| Wool color | White |
| Face color | Blue |
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The Bluefaced Leicester (often called BFL) is a special type of sheep known for its long, curly wool. This breed first came about in the 1700s in England, thanks to a clever farmer named Robert Bakewell. It was first known as the Dishley Leicester. Later, it was called the Hexham Leicester because many of these sheep lived in a place called Northumberland. The name Bluefaced Leicester became popular in the early 1900s.
In the 1970s, Bluefaced Leicester sheep were sent to Canada. Today, frozen semen from the United Kingdom is used to help grow the breed in Canada and the United States. These sheep are mostly raised for their meat. However, their soft wool is also becoming very popular for people who like to spin yarn by hand. Bluefaced Leicester sheep usually have a blue face, but some can have brown markings too.
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What Makes Bluefaced Leicesters Special?
Their Unique Wool
Bluefaced Leicester sheep have wool that is curly, fine, and shiny. It is one of the softest types of wool from the UK. Their fleeces are not very heavy, usually weighing only about 1 to 3 kilograms (2 to 7 pounds). These sheep do not have wool on their heads or necks. Their wool looks a lot like that of the Wensleydale sheep, but with smaller, tighter curls.
Why Are They Called "Bluefaced"?
You can easily spot a Bluefaced Leicester by its special nose, which is called a "Roman nose." This means it has a bump in the middle. The skin under the white hair on their face is dark blue. This blue skin shows through the hair, which is how they got their name! These sheep are related to the original Leicester Longwool breed.
Bluefaced Leicesters and "Mules"
Bluefaced Leicester rams (male sheep) are often bred with hill sheep ewes (female sheep). This creates a special type of sheep called a "mule." These "mule" sheep are very popular in the UK. They combine the good qualities of both parents. They get the ability to have many lambs from the BFL and the toughness and good mothering skills from the hill sheep.
Size and Weight
Fully grown Bluefaced Leicester rams can weigh up to 110 kilograms (243 pounds). The ewes can weigh up to 89 kilograms (196 pounds). When they are fully grown, rams stand about 90 centimeters (35 inches) tall at their shoulders. Ewes are a bit shorter, standing about 85 centimeters (33 inches) tall.
