Gotland sheep originated on the island of Gotland which is in the Baltic Sea off the east Swedish coast directly south of Stockholm. They are hardy, short-tailed sheep without horns noted for the quality of their wool, skins and meat.

They are relatively small, inquisitive and strong willed. Although Gotlands will follow a bucket almost anywhere, they have plenty of self-confidence, lamb easily, often twins, and generally have good feet, all qualities which account for the breed's rise in popularity.

Although numerous in Sweden and Holland , more recently they have been bred in New Zealand where the Stansborough (www.stansborough.co.nz) flock provided wool for the Hobbit's cloaks in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy.