Lustre should accompany a sound, mobile sheep

The Leicester Longwool Sheep Breeders Association describes a broad, robust sheep with a distinctive lustrous fleece. Locks should remain individually defined, with consistent wave or crimp and texture from skin to tip. This combination separates breed character from merely having long wool.

The standard’s usual fibre diameter is 32–38 microns, with annual growth described as 5–14 inches. Its broad ranges acknowledge variation among animals. Fleece evaluation also includes uniformity across the body, a soft handle and little tendency for white wool to yellow.

Conformation must allow effective movement on pasture. The standard warns that excessive width and squareness can reduce mobility, despite the breed’s naturally substantial frame. It also distinguishes wholly coloured Leicester Longwools from white sheep carrying isolated coloured fleece patches: uniformly coloured animals are accepted, while coloured wool spots in a white fleece are objectionable. A good breed assessment therefore considers fleece pattern and quality, sound movement and reproductive usefulness together.