Linda Doane is a national treasure in the shepherding world. After sampling some imported Shetland fleeces, she decided she had to have a flock of her own. The problem? No one was raising this breed in the United States.
Working with a Canadian partner, Linda and her husband Tut imported the first flock of Shetland sheep to the USA in 1986, after years of administrative red tape and an extended quarantine period. Since then, Shetlands have grown from an endangered rarity to become one of the most popular breeds in the country.
Join us for a conversation on all things Shetland as Linda shares her enthusiasm for these unique animals.
Interested in raising Shetlands?
You can find more information, breeder listings, and registration data at the North American Shetland Sheepbreeders Association website. Vermonters should also consider joining our local Vermont Sheep & Goat Association. And if you live in another part of the country, most states have their own sheep or small livestock associations – a great resource for new shepherds.
kathleen meeks
February 22, 2018 at 4:02 pmI was lucky enough to be able to buy two moorit ewe shetland lambs, an adult moorit shetland ewe and adult black shetland ewe from Tut and Linda Doane in November. I was also able to buy 9 shetland/dorset cross ewes from them at the same time. I am so thrilled to have their sheep here at Maybelle Farm.