Distribution of sheep breeds

There are almost 7,000 sheep in Switzerland. Their heyday here lasted until the middle of the 20th century, when almost every farmer had a few sheep. Huge migratory herds travelled throughout the country in winter. Then cotton, synthetic fibres and altered lifestyle, leisure and eating habits began to supplant the once much-coveted sheep's wool and meat.
Sheep are now experiencing something of a comeback – their simple feeding habits help to keep upland areas free of bushes and trees. In this way, sheep play a big part in preserving our much-loved landscape. Cheese made from sheep's milk as well as mutton and lamb are also becoming increasingly popular with consumers. There are around 400,000 sheep today in Switzerland which is similar to the number 150 years ago. Whereas in the mid-19th century a sheep farmer owned just under five animals, today an average flock numbers more than 40.
With some 318,000 female sheep (ewes) and 76,000 rams, the Identitas animal statistics in Switzerland show that there are far more female sheep. The Swiss Sheep Breeding Association recognises twelve sheep breeds: White Alpine sheep, Brown-headed meat sheep, Schwarzbraunes Bergschaf, Valais Blacknose, Charolais Suisse, Texel, Suffolk, Shropshire, Dorper White, Rouge de l'Ouest, Ile-de-France Suisse, and Nolana. Most of the animals are White Alpine Sheep, Schwarzbraunes Bergschaf or crossbreeds. The canton of Bern is home to the largest number of sheep in Switzerland.
In Switzerland, sheep are not primarily kept for wool but for dairy and above all for meat. According to Proviande, every Swiss eats one kilo of mutton and lamb per year, statistically speaking. In 2019, annual domestic production was some 4,200 tonnes, plus around 5,200 tonnes of imported goods.