The Faroese sheep, a type of Northern European short-tailed sheep, is a small and hardy breed. They have a light, but strong, bone structure, which makes them ideal for the steep mountainous terrain, which in turn naturally provides for all their dietary needs. This breed has wool in many different colours – white, grey, light and dark red, chestnut brown and black or some mixture of thereof.

The flocks divide into small groups, which range and graze across wide pasturelands. They are seasonal breeders and most commonly produce one offspring per season. The ewes weigh around 45 pounds (20 kilograms) when mature and rams weigh about 45-90 pounds (20-40 kilograms).

The origin of the Faroese breed is believed to stem from the sheep brought to the Faroese Islands by Norse settlers during the Viking age. During the 17th century, however, the number of sheep decreased to a point where it became necessary to import sheep from Iceland and the Scottish Isles. This proved favourable and during the 1840’s more Scottish sheep were brought in, to mix with the local breed. This mixture produced more meat and better wool.