History
The breed of Vlahiko Sheep borrowed its name from the nomadic populations of Vlach pastoralists who traditionally practiced livestock keeping mainly in the Pindos range but also parts of the Balkans. In the past it was an extremely common breed but it is now rare due to crossbreeding and replacement with other breeds. It was bred in mountain areas of Ioannina, Arta, Trikala and several other prefectures of northwest Greece. In Epirus and Thessaly it was affected by Sarakatsan and Gramoustiano sheep breeds. In those areas it was named ‘Epirus Orino’ or ‘Boutsiko’ sheep. In the last 30 years it is referred to as a separate breed. It is a resilient sheep excellently adapted to mountainous hard-trodden pastures. It has been raised as an extensive farming sheep subject to the dictates of traditional nomadic life. Its grazing grounds change seasonally from mountain (summer months) to semi-mountainous or lowland regions (winter months). In the summer months the nomadic lifestyle takes advantage of mountain meadows while it safeguards against cold winters.
Morphological Traits
Vlach sheep are small sized, mix-woolled and thin-tailed. The weight of rams is 56 kg and of ewes 46 kg, and height at the withers 65 cm and 58 cm respectively.
Rams have strong horns spiraling around the ears and carried close to the head. The head is small. The nose line is straight in ewes and slightly convex in rams. Ears are thin, of small to average size, carried on the sides. The back is straight and the body short. The limbs are slender and strong. The wool length is medium to long, intermixed with a high proportion of awn-like hair. Wool covers the entire body including the forehead. The tail, legs and belly are wool free. Potential colours include combinations of black, white and chestnut. Light coloured animals show spotting of different colours on the cheeks and around the eyes.
Population
Twenty years ago the population of pure Vlach sheep was 30,000 animals. Today the population is estimated at 4,000 animals. The status of the breed is considered ‘Not at Risk’.