Coolibah Persian Sheep Stud

Welcome to the wonderful world of Persian sheep. Persians are an ancient, unique breed that developed in sub Saharan Africa over centuries and probably millennia. They come in an amazing array of colors and patterns and are inherently placid. Although still a rare breed, with probably less than 2000 purebred animals in the whole country, Australia is home to the largest number of Persians outside Africa. This came about through some Australian breeders taking advantage of a small window of opportunity to import the breed into Australia between 1999 and 2006. Prior to the mid 1990’s South Africa would not allow the export of Persian sheep, regarding them as a national treasure, while in 2006 the Australian government essentially closed the border to the import of sheep from Africa. During this brief period three batches of frozen embryos were imported into Australia, one in 1999 and two in 2006. It is from these embryos that all Australian Persian sheep are descended.

Coolibah Persian Sheep Stud is located at Pearcedale on Victoria’s beautiful Mornington Peninsula about an hour’s drive from Melbourne. It is operated by Dr Colin Walker and Dr Meredith Dobbie (Walker). Colin is president of the Australian Persian Sheep Association (www.australianpersiansheepassociation.com). With its 600 Persians, Coolibah Stud is not only the largest Persian stud in Australia but the world outside Africa. Persians are one of the smaller breeds with the rams weighing 50 to 65kg (about half the size of a Merino). They are what is called a cleanskin or shedding breed. Persian sheep do not have wool but rather hair much like a beagle. No wool means that there is no shearing, no crutching or mulesing, no tail docking and no fly or seed worry. Coolibah Persian Sheep are shipped to their new owners around the country and more recently, due to Australia’s disease free status, are becoming increasingly sought after internationally. Coolibah Stud is Brucellosis accredited free and all sheep are dispatched recently wormed and fully vaccinated (against Johnes, 5 in 1 and FootRot). They all have an NLIS approved electronic Coolibah Persian tag in their right ear. Coolibah Persians can also be registered with either the Australian Stud Sheep Breeders Association (ASSBA) or the Australian All Breeds Miniature Goats and Sheep Society (AABMGS).

So, if you are thinking about getting some Persians, simply have some questions or would like to visit us and see some Persians, please feel free to contact us. Our number is 0412481239 and our email is info@persiansheep.com. We usually have selected sheep available but if not will be happy to direct you to your nearest accredited breeder.

ASSBA endorsed Persian Studs

Currently ( 1st May 2025 ) 17 breeders in Australia have achieved stud status with the national regulatory authority, The Australian Stud Sheep Breeders Association (ASSBA).They are listed below.  It is strongly recommended that those wishing to buy Persian sheep contact an ASSBA approved registered stud. The contact details of each stud can be easily found on the ASSBA website by clicking on the picture of the Persian on the homepage.

Breed Contact:

The Australian Persian Sheep Association
President: Dr Colin Walker, Coolibah Persian Sheep Stud
Address: 170 Coolibah Road, Pearcedale Vic 3912
Phone: 0412 481 239
Websites: https://www.australianpersiansheepassociation.com https://www.persiansheep.com

Persian Sheep

ASSBA Breed Summary and Purpose

Persians are small to medium sized self- shedding sheep from sub Saharan Africa. They have been selected to do well in hot, dry, arid environments and have a number of genetic based physical characteristics not found in any other breed that assist them to do this. In addition they are prepared to walk and forage to find food and are able to maintain condition on mixed herbage much of which would be unpalatable to other breeds. Crossing with European breeds in particular the Dorset Horn ( to produce the Dorper ) and Romney produces sheep that not only develop exceptional amounts of muscle often on quite poor quality food but are also more heat tolerant. Due to the ability to produce robust heat tolerant individuals when crossed with European breeds, Persians, can to some extent, be regarded as the ovine equivalent of Zebu cattle and indeed share many of their adaptations to heat, namely loose pendulous skin folds ,large pendulous ears, localized accumulations of subcutaneous fat, and an increased ability to sweat. They do not require shearing, have a small tail that does not require docking and are virtually totally resistant to fly strike.

Two varieties are recognized, differentiated only by the pattern of colour:

1. Kleur Kop (or coloured head) - a white animal with a coloured head, the colour extending approximately half way down the neck , white extending up the neck or onto the head is a severe fault as is color anywhere else on the body apart from the head and neck.
2. Skilder (or speckled, painted or harlequin) - these animals have a colored head, legs and tail with a white body exhibiting a variable amount of colored flecks or spots. The body should display easily recognizable patches on either sides of the body. In the ideal animal about half the white to be replaced by colored evenly spaced spots of approximately 2 -3 cm diameter.
   
   In Australia, in both the Kleur Kop and Skilder varieties the following colors are accepted :- red, black, tricolor, black and tan, sable, blue (dilute black) , roan (dilute red), blue and roan (dilute tricolor) and self (solid black and red).
   
   The defining and unique features of the breed are a large and prominent dewlap, a prominent manubrium and the tail set with its mirror and sambokkie. The variety of colours are also a feature of the breed. It is important however that Australian breeders are not distracted by color. Of the 3 important features that form the basis of selection, namely conformation and structural soundness, markings ( ie the pattern or distribution of color on the sheep) and color, color is the least important.
   
   If you are after a small, pretty, placid, shedding sheep that does not require shearing or tail docking and is resistant to fly strike or perhaps a terminal sire to introduce some toughness and foraging ability in an arid location perhaps consider a Persian.
   
   Persians also make ideal pets.