Top 7 Most Expensive Sheep Breeds In The World

Sheep have long been valued for their wool, meat, and even companionship, but some breeds and individual animals command astonishing prices due to their rarity, genetics, and prestige. Sheep are one of the main sources of wool used in textiles, clothing, and insulation as well as raised for meat and dairy.

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The significance of sheep continues to evolve, reflecting both traditional and modern uses. Some of the most expensive sheep ever sold have fetched prices rivaling luxury cars, making them prized assets for farmers, breeders, and collectors.

Here we would like to share with you the top 7 most expensive sheep breeds in the world.

7. Targhee Sheep (Up to $1,800)

Credit: Yathin sk

The Targhee sheep is a highly valued breed developed in the United States and is prized for its soft fleece, rapid growth rate, and adaptability. It was created by crossing Rambouillet, Lincoln, and Corriedale sheep, resulting in a breed that produces high-quality wool while maintaining hardiness and efficient feed conversion.

Targhee sheep can command high prices, particularly those with superior genetics for wool production. Some good breeds have been sold for up to $1,800, depending on factors such as fiber diameter, crimp, and staple length.

6. Cotswold Sheep (Up to $2,000)

Cotswold sheep were developed in the Cotswold Hills of England, where they thrived due to their hardy nature and ability to produce dense, curly wool. Like other longwool breeds, they grow at a slow pace, reaching maturity at approximately two years.

These sheep are naturally polled and feature black hooves and noses, along with small black markings on their ears. Their fleece is among the longest and shiniest of any sheep breed, often growing up to 12 inches in length.

5. Rambouillet Sheep (Up to $2,500)

Credit: Britannica

Originating from France, the Rambouillet sheep breed is highly prized for its fine wool and dual-purpose qualities. The Rambouillet breed was developed in the late 18th century from Spanish Merino sheep, with the goal of producing superior wool while maintaining adaptability to various climates.

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Rambouillet sheep are medium to large-sized, with dense, fine wool that is highly sought after for its softness, elasticity, and durability. Their fleece is known for its high crimp, which enhances its resilience and makes it ideal for luxury textiles.

4. Lincoln Sheep (Up to $3,000)

The Lincoln sheep, known for its long, lustrous wool, is one of the most valuable sheep breeds in the world. Originating from England, this breed has been prized for centuries for its high-quality fleece, which is used in luxury textiles and specialty yarns.

Lincoln sheep were developed in Lincolnshire, England, and are recognized for their large size and distinctive wool. Their fleece is among the longest and heaviest of any sheep breed, often growing up to 12 inches in length.

While Lincoln sheep are not as commonly auctioned at extreme prices as Texel or Ladoum sheep, some elite Lincoln rams have been sold for thousands of dollars.

3. Ladoum Sheep (Up to $80,000)

Credit: Sylvain Cherkaoui, Panos Pictures/Redux

The Ladoum sheep is one of the most expensive and prestigious breeds in the world, originating from Senegal. Unlike most sheep, which are primarily raised for wool or meat, Ladoum sheep are prized for their beauty, size, and status.

Ladoum sheep were developed in the 1970s as a hybrid between Mauritanian and Malian breeds. They are known for their tall stature, reaching up to four feet in height, and their muscular build, sometimes weighing as much as 400 pounds.

Some wealthy Senegalese would be willing to pay upwards of $80,000 for a single animal.

2. Merino Sheep (Up to $115,000)

The Merino sheep is one of the most valuable and sought-after breeds in the world, primarily due to its exceptionally fine wool. Originating from Spain, Merino sheep have been selectively bred for centuries to produce wool that is soft, lightweight, and highly durable, making it a favorite among luxury fashion brands and textile manufacturers.

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Merino sheep were first developed in Spain during the Middle Ages, and then

spread to Australia and New Zealand, where they became a cornerstone of the wool industry. Today, Merino wool is prized for its ultrafine fibers, which can measure as little as 14 microns in diameter, making it softer than cashmere.

One particular Australian poll merino ram has sold for $115,000 at a private auction.

1. Texel Ram (Up to $490,000)

The Texel sheep breed, originating from the Netherlands, is renowned for its lean meat and high-quality wool. Among these, one ram stands out as the most expensive sheep ever sold, the Sportsmans Double Diamond, which was sold for a staggering £367,500 ($490,000).

The Texel breed is widely used as a terminal sire, meaning its offspring inherit desirable traits such as muscular build and efficient meat production. The new owner planned to use artificial insemination to maximize his breeding potential, ensuring that his superior genetics would be passed on to future generations.

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