Calico sheep is a type of sheep that has more than one colour within its coat. The colouring is due to a piebald mutation, but the calico sheep is not a recognized breed. These sheep tend to be very small due to intensive inbreeding and are often mislabeled as a true breed. Rather, they are mere crossbred sheep that have interesting colour patterns.
Genetics The calico mutation is due to an autosomal recessive gene, first reported by Roberts.
History Calico sheep are not related to the black and white sheep that are native to ancient Sudan and to South Africa. The modern mutation was developed by breeding Shetland sheep with Barbados Blackbelly Sheep.
See also Calico cat
References
Further reading Richardson, Tracey. "Sheep earn their keep at winery,"[link removed] Owen Sound Sun Times (Canada). July 17, 2012; retrieved 2012-8-19.