The Texel originates from the island of Texel in the Netherlands, where it was developed in the 19th century through selective breeding of native sheep with British long wool breeds. Introduced into the UK in the 1970s, it quickly became renowned for its ability to sire prime lambs with exceptional muscle development and low-fat content. The Texel is instantly recognisable by its broad, wool-free white face, short ears, and robust, blocky frame. It produces a dense fleece with medium-length staples, well suited to knitwear and durable textiles. Today, the Texel is one of the most dominant sheep breeds in Europe and has gained global importance in lamb production.