The Blue Texel

  • Black sheep standing in a green field with rolling hills in the background

The Blue Texel originates from the Netherlands, where it developed naturally as a coloured strain within traditional Texel flocks. Its popularity has grown in recent decades, particularly among breeders seeking the same excellence as the white Texel but with added appeal from its unusual colouring. Like the classic Texel, it is a robust, medium-to-large sheep with a strong frame, broad white-to-greyish face, and powerful muscle development. The Blue Texel is valued as a terminal sire, producing prime lambs, while its dense grey fleece offers a distinctive fibre option for craft and textile use. Today, the breed is steadily gaining recognition across the UK and beyond.

Region

The Netherlands (Island of Texel); now present in the UK and Europe

Wool Characteristics

  • Texture

    Medium, dense, and springy with resilience.

  • Colour

    Steel-grey to slate-blue shades, with darker points; free from kemp.

  • Quality

    Durable and versatile; softer than some hill breeds, suited to crafts and knitwear.

  • Uses

    Knitwear, hand-spinning, rugs, outerwear, and craft textiles.

Distinctive Qualities

* Unique steel-grey fleece with darker facial and leg markings.
* Shares the muscular build of the classic Texel.
* Dense fleece highly sought after by spinners and weavers for natural colour.
* Increasingly popular in shows for its striking appearance and utility.

Summary

The Blue Texel combines the proven strengths of the traditional Texel with a unique and attractive fleece. Its natural colouring adds value in niche textile markets. Hardy, muscular, and visually distinctive, the Blue Texel is a modern breed gaining fast recognition in British and European flocks.