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When breeding work for the Grey Trønder sheep began, the main goal was to develop a sheep suitable for both meat production and the production of wool with natural colour nuances.

The sheep has strong maternal instincts and good grazing and flocking behaviour.

The origin of the breed is somewhat uncertain, but the Grey Trønder sheep was considered a distinct breed as early as around 1930. It is assumed that the breed originated as a cross between the Tauter sheep and the Old Norwegian sheep. Documentation for many old livestock breeds is often sparse, but the Trønder sheep has its own master's thesis from the Agricultural College of Norway (now NMBU) from 1941, written by Loyt Johnsen (General Secretary of the Norwegian Sheep and Goat Association 1947–1983). This thesis has been invaluable for the conservation of the breed, as it describes its history, distribution, and characteristics.

Grey Trønder sheep

Native name: Grå trøndersau.
Weight: 60-90 kg (rams) and 55-80 kg (ewes).
Appearance: The breed is black on the belly, legs, and head, with steel-grey wool on the back and sides. The animals should have a white spot, or "tear," under each eye.
Type: Crossbred sheep with a medium-length tail.
Number of breeding females (2024): 1,959.

Not at Risk – Vulnerable – Endangered – Critically Endangered – Extinct

A grey sheep on a green pasture.
The Grey Trønder sheep is known for having softer and shinier wool compared to other types of crossbred sheep. Photo: Arild Espelien.