History
Karystos Sheep originate in the southern part of Euboea Island and are named after the homonymous Karystos region. It is a frugal sheep, well adapted to the poor pastures surrounding mount Ochi. In recent years pure herds have retreated to the north and east of Karystos and in particular the isolated region of Cavodoro.
Morphological Traits
Karystos is small, thin-tailed, mixed wool sheep. Average weights for rams and ewes are 60 kg and 40 kg, respectively. The average height at the withers for rams and ewes is 64 cm and 59 cm, respectively. The head is small and of a conical shape. Rams have convex profile though the ewes’ nose line is straight.
Rams carry large, spiraling, open horns. A percentage of ewes carry smaller horns. Ears are horizontal. The chest is deep and the back straight. The woolly parts of the body are normally white. The wool free areas (face, limbs, belly) in 70% of the animals are chestnut and in 30% black.
Population
According to 2019 data from the Athens CAGR, the population of the breed is 60,000-70,000 animals. However, it is estimated that the purebred population is lower, approximately 5,000 animals, since in recent years there is a reduction in the number of farms. The status of the breed is considered ‘Not at Risk’.