Calico sheep is a type of sheep that has more than one colour within its coat. Journal of Heredity (1950), Vol. 41, No. 2, pp. 39-40; retrieved 2012-8-19. The colouring is due to a piebald mutation, but the calico sheep is not a recognized breed.

These sheep tend to be very small due to intensive inbreeding and are often mislabeled as a true breed. Rather, they are mere crossbred sheep that have interesting colour patterns.

Genetics The calico mutation is due to an autosomal recessive gene, first reported by Roberts.

History Calico sheep are not related to the black and white sheep that are native to ancient SudanShaw, Thustan. (1995). The Archaeology of Africa: Food, Metals and Towns, p. 69. and to South Africa.British Museum. (1908). A guide to the domesticated animals (other than horses) exhibited in the central and north halls of the British Museum (Natural History), p. 21.

The modern mutation was developed by breeding Shetland sheep with Barbados Blackbelly Sheep.

See also Calico cat

References

Further reading Richardson, Tracey. Owen Sound Sun Times (Canada). July 17, 2012; retrieved 2012-8-19.