History
The Sitia Sheep was already mentioned in the 1950s as a breed of the easternmost part of Crete. In particular, it was bred in the mountainous and semi-mountainous parts of the former Sitia province from which it received its name. In recent years its population was heavily crossed with other Cretan sheep and especially the Anogia and Asterousia breeds. Nevertheless, in the neighbouring Dodecannese island of Kassos, sheep with similar characteristics are bred and it is speculated they may belong to the same breed. Over the years and especially at times of adversity there were frequent exchanges of herds between the two islands. It is bred as an extensive management breed, excellently adapted to the conditions of its native island with its rocky and steep terrain, its sparse vegetation and low rainfall. In March or April many herds move from coastal areas to higher pastures, where they remain until October or November.
Morphological Traits
The Sitia breed is a coarse-woolled, thin-tailed sheep and the smallest of all mountain type breeds of Crete. Average height at the withers for ewes is 54 cm and rams 57 cm. Weights are 20-26 kg for ewes and 28-32 kg for rams.
Rams have large spiral, triangular horns opening to the sides with well-marked ringed ridging. A high proportion of ewes have smaller horns. The head is slender, slightly convex in rams and straight in ewes. The ears are small and held horizontally. The tail is thin and long, reaching 20 – 22 cm.
Only the face and limbs are free of wool. All animals have a forelock. The colour is usually white with black markings on the face, around the eyes, ears, belly and legs. Some animals are black or chestnut with large areas of other colours while some are spotted.
Population
The number of pure animals in Crete is experiencing a rapid decline. The total population is estimated at 2,000-3,000 animals, classifying the breed in the ‘Minority’ status.