The Tiroler Steinschaf sheep is a breed of domestic sheep from Austria. It is also known as Pecora della Roccia Tirolese and it is actually from the mountainous Tyrol area of Austria.
Although a few animals are also raised in Italy. The breed is mainly raised in the states of Tyrol and Salzburg in Austria, and in the Autonomous province of Bolzano in Italy.
Name of the breed means “Tyrolean rock sheep“, and the breed dates from the early 19th century and is the oldest Tyrolean sheep breed.
The Tiroler Steinschaf sheep is one of the 42 autochthonous local sheep breeds of limited distribution for which a herdbook is kept by the Associazione Nazionale della Pastorizia.
Associazione Nazionale della Pastorizia is the Italian national association of sheep-breeders. In the year of 1973, the Austrian herdbook was established.
As of 2012, the registered population reported for Austria was 2780 to 3500, and total population were estimated at 12,000. Read some more information about this breed below.
Tiroler Steinschaf Sheep Characteristics
Tiroler Steinschaf sheep is a medium to large sized animal with beautiful appearance. It’s wool color can be of grey, black or white. And the face is usually black.
Original animals have very hard hoofs supported very thin, but strong legs. Their head is relatively small and noses are straight.
Their ears are short and pointed and the tail is long and thin. Both rams and ewes usually have horns.
Average live body weight of the mature Tiroler Steinschaf rams is about 90 kg. And the mature ewes weight around 70 kg. Photo and info from ansi.okstate.edu, Petmapz and Wikipedia.
Uses
The Tiroler Steinschaf sheep is a dual purpose animal. It is raised for both meat and wool production.
Special Notes
The Tiroler Steinschaf sheep are robust animals. They have a coarse, dual-coated fleece that can be of all color and markings.
They are very hardy and perfect for life in the high mountains of the Eastern Alpine regions.
Currently the breed is raised for both meat and wool production. However, review full breed profile of this sheep breed in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Tiroler Steinschaf |
| Other Name | Also known as Pecora della Roccia Tirolese |
| Breed Purpose | Meat, wool |
| Special Notes | Very hardy and strong, robust, have dual-coated fleece, perfect for life in the high mountains of the Eastern Alpine regions, dual purpose animals, suitable for both meat and wool production |
| Breed Size | Medium to large |
| Weight | Vary from 70 to 90 kg |
| Horns | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Color | Can be grey, black or white |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Austria |
