Because of their tropical origins, hair sheep are generally more tolerant of heat and humidity. Research shows that hair sheep breeds have lower rectal temperatures and respiration rates than their wooled counterparts. However, hair sheep adapt to a wide variety of climates and will grow a thicker, longer hair coat in cold weather. There is some research to suggest that hair sheep are more resistant to internal parasites, though more data is necessary before widespread claims can be made. It is not necessary to dock the tails of hair sheep lambs, although many producers remove the tails to give lambs a neater appearance and better market acceptance.
Reproductive efficiency is where hair sheep truly excel.
Hair sheep breeds are prolific, reach puberty at an early age and breed year round. There are several breeds of hair sheep. The most common are the Barbados Blackbelly , St. Croix , Katahdin and Dorper . They are often used to train Border Collies or in crosses with the Mouflon for game purposes. Blackbellies are brown tan or yellow in color, with black points and under-parts.