In the middle of the last century the Rhoenschaf population had expanded to hundreds of thousands, and their export flourished throughout Europe. This trend was reversed with the French import restrictions that were imposed to curb epidemics. Today s Rhoenschaf is a medium-sized sheep. Its noble, hornless head with the Roman nose profile is black and slender. The wool starts behind the ears and the sheep is decorated with a dark collar.
Ears are long, broad and slightly hanging.
Hard hoofs support long, sturdy, white legs, that march easily and help it safely across rough and rocky terrain. It has a long breeding season and lambs easily. The long, white fleece has a fiber diameter of 32 to 35 microns and can be spun into sturdy knitting yarn. The wool yield is 3 to 6 kg and the sheep weigh 60 to 95 kg. This extremely hardy and frugal landrace is well suited for the wet climates of rough highlands, where it is useful in landscape preservation.