The rest of the carcass is very lean. The soft birthcoat of the Karakul matures into a fleece of carpet wool, which consists of a long, lustrous outer coat and a fine, soft inner coat. Adding interest to this unusual fleece is the breed's array of colors. Most sheep are born black and fade to gray with age, but red, tan, gold, and brown also occur. Handspinners and weavers provide the market for most of the Karakul wool produced in this country.
Fleeces weigh five to ten pounds and have a staple length of six to twelve inches.
Though used primarily for the production of wool, Karakuls are multipurpose sheep with many valuable characteristics. They are hardy and adaptable, thriving under rugged conditions in a variety of climates. The sheep are aggressive grazers and browsers, useful wherever pastures need improvement. Karakuls are generally seasonal breeders, producing a single lamb. Ewes are attentive mothers that milk very well.