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Some special encounters on a holiday in Finland have four legs and a rather beautiful woolly coat. At Riina and Juha’s, you can meet Kainuu Grey sheep – a rare Finnish breed with dark faces and wool in many shades of grey.
In Finnish, they are called Kainuunharmas. The name may sound unfamiliar at first. Their story is easy to tell: these sheep are part of Finland’s heritage, and dedicated people have made sure they are still here today.
Born black, later silver-grey
Their changing colour is particularly striking. The lambs are usually born almost black. After a few months, their wool begins to lighten. Their adult coat colour only becomes apparent at around one to two years old. Their heads and legs usually stay dark.
No two sheep look quite the same. Some are light grey, others darker; brown sheep also occur. It is worth taking a second look as you watch the flock. Grey can be surprisingly varied. Finnish Sheep Breeders’ Association
A small breed with a long story
In the 1980s, Pertti Hankonen began working specifically to preserve these sheep. Later DNA studies confirmed their status as a distinct breed. Breeders continue to protect their genetic diversity and avoid breeding closely related animals. The breed’s history
A comparison of Finland’s three native sheep breeds shows how small their population is:
NordGen lists Kainuu Grey sheep as “vulnerable” for 2024. Preserving the breed therefore remains an important task.
Wool with its own character
Whether you enjoy knitting or simply appreciate beautiful natural materials, these sheep have something special to offer. Their wool varies: sometimes curlier, sometimes finer, with a pearly sheen in particularly beautiful fleeces. More about the wool
In a post from 2013, the spinner behind Barbro’s Threads describes her enthusiasm for a silver-grey fleece with darker curls. Personal impressions like these invite a closer look. Barbro’s post
Visit the sheep at Riina and Juha’s
Riina and Juha keep these special animals, and you can visit them. A rare breed becomes a real holiday encounter: standing beside the flock, discovering the different wool colours and quietly watching the animals.
If you are interested in a visit, mention it when planning your stay at Mökki Tikka. We will arrange the timing and details beforehand. Riina and Juha decide on site whether stroking or feeding the sheep is possible.
Perhaps it will be a dark sheep’s face that stays with you afterwards. Along with the knowledge that a small piece of Finnish history lies behind that grey woolly coat.
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