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Welcome to the Black & Coloured Sheep Breeders’ Association of New Zealand. There are millions of sheep in New Zealand and most of them are white. This site is about all the rest: sheep with naturally (not dyed) black, grey, brown and cream coloured wool.

Coloured Sheep

Sheep with naturally coloured wool are found occasionally in most breeds. In New Zealand, high-quality coloured sheep are often kept for their wool, which has both commercial and handcraft uses. Among the most favoured breeds are Merino, Romney, Corriedale, Polwarth and English Leicester, though interest in other breeds such as Gotland and Arapawa is increasing.

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Coloured Wool

Each breed has characteristics that make its wool suitable for particular uses. Good management also plays a big part, ensuring that wool is sound and free of contaminants such as vegetable matter.  The way wool is handled at shearing time is also very important.

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Genetics

There are two main gene series that control the colour of New Zealand sheep: one governs colour pattern and the other governs the actual colour that the sheep will be, in any parts that are not white. Every sheep inherits two genes of each series, one from each parent.

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Different Breeds

There can be wide variations between fleeces even within a breed. However, knowing something about the breeds will give the craftsperson an idea of what to expect. Each fleece must still be selected on its merits.

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About the Association

This Association was founded in 1976. There are now twelve branches throughout New Zealand, and members range from small block owners to those with large commercial flocks. Some produce wool for use in their own handcrafts such as spinning, felting and weaving, or to sell to craftspeople. Others are involved in commercial production of natural coloured wool products, or breed for high quality sheepskins. Some do not own sheep, but have an interest in natural coloured wool.

News and Events

World Congress Update August 2024

Plans for the World Congress s are slowly starting to firm up as we now…

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48th Annual Conference and AGM

For more details see BCSBA Conference 2025 Programme

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