The Shetlands in the U.S. and Canada are descendants of sheep which lived in the Shetland Islands not much more than ten years ago. In that difficult environment they essentially had to fend for themselves. Having retained most of their primitive survival instincts, they are easier to care for than many of today's improved breeds. Strong maternal instincts are still very evident in Shetland ewes. They normally lamb easily without assistance, rarely reject their lambs, and the lambs are usually vigorous and nurse within minutes after birth.
Twins are frequent in adult ewes and most people are successfully breeding their ewe lambs.
Ram lambs are also mature enough to use in their first year. They are quite hardy, adapting well to most climates. In the Shetland Islands, it is reported that they are the only breed that can survive in some of the harsher regions - not even Shetland crosses can tolerate some of these areas. They are very thrifty and require less feed than most breeds. Expensive feed concentrates and supplements are not necessary as Shetlands do very well on average pasture.