What happens if you never shear a sheep?
Domestic sheep have been bred to grow wool continuously without ever shedding.
Unlike wild sheep that shed naturally, domestic breeds like the Merino depend on humans for shearing. Without regular maintenance, their wool becomes dangerously heavy, causing overheating, mobility issues, and even blindness. A famous sheep named Shrek once evaded shearing for six years in New Zealand. When finally found, his fleece weighed 27 kilograms, which is enough wool to make 20 men's suits.
Nerd Mode
The evolution of domestic sheep (Ovis aries) began approximately 11,000 years ago in Mesopotamia. While their wild ancestors, such as the Mouflon, possessed a double coat consisting of a hairy outer layer and a downy undercoat that shed annually, humans selectively bred sheep to favor the soft undercoat. Over millennia, this process deactivated the natural 'shedding gene,' resulting in a fleece that grows indefinitely.Breeds like the Merino, developed in Spain during the 12th century, are the most extreme examples of this genetic modification. Because their wool does not fall out, it can grow to incredible lengths, often exceeding 30 centimeters if left untended. This creates a significant welfare risk known as 'wool blindness,' where the fleece grows over the eyes, and 'flystrike,' where moisture trapped in the wool attracts parasitic flies.The case of Shrek the sheep in 2004 became a global sensation and a perfect case study for animal scientists. After hiding in caves for six years, his fleece had reached a weight of 27 kilograms, more than five times the average annual yield of a Merino. This biological dependency means that modern domestic sheep are one of the few species that would likely face extinction without human intervention, as they can no longer regulate their body temperature or escape predators effectively when overgrown.
Verified Fact
FP-0001841 · Feb 16, 2026