Teeswater, a longwool sheep from Teesdale in the County of Durham, located in Northern England, have for almost 200 years been bred by farmers in that area of the north. Until the 1920’s, the breed was comparatively rare, but now they are to be found in almost every part of the U.K.
Their wool should be fine long-stapled lustre wool with each lock hanging free and with no tendency to mattiness. There should be no dark fibers in the fleece, which should be uniform in texture over the whole body. The Teeswater produces a kemp free fleece, a characteristic it passes on.
Breed category: long wool
Distribution: United Kingdom, North America
The American Teeswater is a large long wool breed. It’s unique facial markings and long, soft, purled locks are trademark characteristics that set this regal breed apart. The Teeswater is intelligent and alert, and yet is also among the most docile of breeds. The wool is soft and supple to handle and retains its curl and luster after washing. The luster remains after spinning giving the finished product a pearly sheen. Traditionally a dual purpose breed, Teeswaters provide a superior fleece and are renowned for their ability to pass on size, prolificacy and carcass quality. The Teeswater have been bred for almost two hundred years in the UK, originating in the County of Durham, England. Like all longwool sheep in Northern England they were influenced by Bakewells activities in the 18th century.