Ruda is a breed of

sheep Sheep or domestic sheep (''Ovis aries'') are domesticated, ruminant mammals typically kept as livestock. Although the term ''sheep'' can apply to other species in the genus ''Ovis'', in everyday usage it almost always refers to domesticated sh ...

found mostly in

Albania Albania ( ; sq, Shqipëri or ), or , also or . officially the Republic of Albania ( sq, Republika e Shqipërisë), is a country in Southeastern Europe. It is located on the Adriatic The Adriatic Sea () is a body of water separating the ...

and

Croatia , image_flag = Flag of Croatia.svg , image_coat = Coat of arms of Croatia.svg , anthem = "Lijepa naša domovino"("Our Beautiful Homeland") , image_map = , map_caption = , capit ...

. In 2009, Ruda sheep is the most endangered breed of sheep in the Republic of Croatia. The Ruda sheep originated from the Romanian Tsigai, a fine fleeced sheep in the Balkans. The Ruda may be related to the Romanian

Tsigai Tsigai is a Romanian sheep breed. History The Țigaie breed is part of the domestic sheep species (Ovis aries). The breed originates from sheep domesticated in the area of the eastern part of the Black Sea and through migration over time, thr ...

. This breed is primarily raised for

wool Wool is the textile fibre obtained from sheep and other mammals, especially goats, rabbits, and camelids. The term may also refer to inorganic materials, such as mineral wool and glass wool, that have properties similar to animal wool. ...

Characteristics

The Ruda can have white or blond wool with a pink skin. This breed has a white head and has white spots on body and head. At the withers, mature ewes average 55 cm (21.6 inches) and rams 65 cm (25.6 inches). Mature ewes average 38 kg (83.7 lbs) and rams 48 kg (105.8 lbs). The Ruda is well adapted to low temperatures and mountain grazing.

References

Sheep breeds Mammals of Europe Sheep breeds originating in Croatia Animal breeds originating in Albania Agriculture in Dubrovnik {{sheep-stub