Deciding which breed to raise is an important decision that each shepherd must make, with thoughtful consideration. The reason for raising sheep should be primary consideration when deciding upon a breed or type. This is because if you are interested in producing wool for the hand spinner's market, your breed choice would be much different than if meat will be your primary product to sell.

Conversely you wouldn't choose "wool" breeds, if the majority of your income is going to be derived from lambs meat. If your children want to compete in 4-H or junior market lamb shows, breed type will affect their success in the show ring, thus their satisfaction with the experience. Price and availability will also have a bearing on which breeds are chosen. Not all breeds are available in all geographic areas. It is not easy or inexpensive to import live animals, semen, and embryos from other countries.

At the same time, it is important to remember that there are no "best" breeds of sheep. All breeds have traits, which may make them desirable or undesirable, depending upon the production system and marketing objectives. In addition, there is usually as much difference within a breed as between breeds.

There are crossbred, purebred and registered types of sheep. Unless the objective is to raise and sell purebred and/or registered sheep, it is almost always better to raise crossbred sheep. This is especially true for beginners. It is better to "practice" shepherding with hardier, less expensive animals. As shepherds, we also tend to make excuses for purebred animals that we pay a lot for. Shepherds are more likely to cull a less expensive crossbred ewe or ram.

When selecting your breed there are many different factors to take into consideration. Here are just a few of the characteristics that can influence your breed/type selection: wool type, meat type, sheep’s purpose, face color, coat type, type of tail, level of reproduction, level of care and adaptability.