Katahdin

Katahdin Sheep

Breed Type: Hair Breed
Country of Origin: United States
Breed Association Website: katahdins.org

Katahdin sheep are born in the USA!

The breed was originally developed in the state of Maine by Michael Piel, the breed founder. The traits he wanted were:

  • Shedding ability
  • Easy care
  • Profitability
  • Ability to have and raise MULTIPLE LAMBS
  • Parasite resistance
  • Moderate size and adaptability

Katahdin sheep are different!

Katahdin sheep have no wool!

They have hair like a dog and can grow hair in the winter and shed the hair in the summer.

Katahdin sheep are born with long tails (like all lambs do) but the Katahdin Breed Association Standards say to leave the tails long and not to “dock” (cut short) the tails.

Katahdin sheep come in a variety of colors: solids of black,or white, or red, or brown and even harlequin: black and white spots, or brown/ fawn and white spots or mottled (freckled).

Katahdin sheep have a 200% lambing ability and can often have twins, triplets and even quadruplets!


This breed presented by

Rabbit Run Farm and Castle Keep Farm
Joan Horman
5109 Cap Stine Rd
Frederick, MD 21703
(301) 473-5304
moc.liamtoh@namrohwj

2026 Catalog Cover Artist Andrea Wisnewski

Find out more about our 2026 cover artist Andrea Wisnewski.

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It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Mary Streaker, one of the founders of the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. Mary passed away yesterday, just two months shy of her 95th birthday.Mary's influence on our Festival, the Howard County Fairgrounds, and countless individuals cannot be overstated. She was a teacher, mentor, artist, leader, volunteer, and friend whose passion for education, creativity, and community helped shape the Festival we know today.Many of us were fortunate to know Mary personally. Even in recent years, she continued to attend Festival meetings when she was able, reconnecting with the volunteers and friends who had worked alongside her for decades. Her wisdom, enthusiasm, and deep commitment to preserving and celebrating the fiber arts inspired generations of volunteers, exhibitors, artists, and fairgoers.Mary's legacy lives on through the Home Arts Department, the Fine Arts and Photo Competitions, and the many traditions she helped establish and nurture. The Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival exists today in part because of the vision, dedication, and countless hours of service that Mary and her fellow founders invested so many years ago.On behalf of the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mary's family, friends, students, and all who were touched by her remarkable life. We are grateful for her contributions, her friendship, and the enduring example she set for all of us.Mary will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.Visitation will be held at Haight Funeral Home, Sykesville, Maryland, on June 17 from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on June 18 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life luncheon at 12:30 p.m. in the Howard County Fairgrounds Dining Hall. ... See MoreSee Less
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LOST AND FOUND!2026 MD Sheep & Wool If you lost an item at the Festival please contact gro.loowdnapeehs@ofni. We do have a few items that were left behind and will work with you to determine if any of them are yours! Glasses, wallets, journal, necklace, scarf, etc., etc. We'd like to see you reunited!! ... See MoreSee Less
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🐑 All the final details are coming together and we are excited to see everyone!!! Please expect heavy traffic on Sat am, so plan ahead! SO much to see and do all weekend! Come out and support local, small, creative owned businesses and agriculture at the #mdsw sheepandwool.org ... See MoreSee Less
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