California-Red
One of the youngest breeds, the California Reds started in California the 1970s by crossing Tunis and Barbados sheep. Their heads and legs are a deep cinnamon red with and oatmeal color fleece at maturity. Rams sometimes also have a red mane. Inherited from the Tunis, they have distinctive long pendulous ears, strong expression and chiseled muzzle. The deep cinnamon red and oatmeal colored wool are characteristic of the breed. Neither sex has horns. California Reds are known for their gentle, calm temperaments.
The ewes typically have twins and are caring mothers, very protective of their young. Lambs are born a red color and change to the oatmeal color at around 12 - 18 months old. California Reds produce a silky wool, with contrasting mix of colors, from beige to deep cinnamon red - always popular with spinners and weavers.