Shetland Patterns and Markings

Patterns and markings are hereditary in Shetland sheep.  Not all of the genetics underlying the various patterns and markings are clear cut; some have not yet been fully researched.  As a general guideline, patterns are set by the Agouti gene, i.e. Gulmoget and Katmoget.  Markings are controlled by other genes, with S (spotting) being a major contributor.

Many of the patterns and markings have Old Norse names that do have equivalents in other breeds.  For instance, the Katmoget pattern is roughly the same as Badgerface and Gulmoget is similar to Black and Tan or Mouflon; Flecket equates to larger spots.

Sometimes, patterns and markings can be combined in the same sheep.  For instance, HST (shorthand for Head/Socks/Tail markings) combines many of the head markings with Sokket markings, etc. and many breeders have Sokket Katmogets (the Katmoget pattern with white or light feet and legs instead of the usual dark feet and legs) or Krunet Katmogets (Katmogets with a white head spot in addition to the regular Katmoget facial pattern).  Spots can occur in combination with most everything else though sometimes they may be hidden by other pattern or marking elements.