It's probably wise to go for sheep who are best suited for your type of land, and that you like the look of - so hardy primitives or hill sheep? I have no experience of them but do have a soft spot for Shetlands and they can be very pretty colours
. Not sure how they would cope on my lush lowland pasture though! Might also be better to have something that will come to you and not be too flighty, as it can make life difficult when you need to gather them in for whatever reason. Bucket training really does make life easier!
I started off about 7 years ago with six orphan commercial crossbreds given to me by a sheep farmer, I knew nothing about sheep at all
. So was thrown in at the deep end, but have never regretted it!
I now have an eclectic mix of all sorts! I have a lot of commercial types, and mainly breed lambs for market but love Gotlands, Zwartbles and Herdwick for their colour so have a few of these in my flock
. I've also had a few different breed tups and find it fascinating to see what I get each year from different breeding!
My Gotlands are sooooo friendly but I've found their crossbred lambs can be ridiculously flighty. They are also prone to foot problems, on my land anyway. My Herdwick was a total nutcase, was always looking for an escape route and if she couldn't find one would run over your head
. BUT she has always been the most fantastic mum, and she has mellowed somewhat in her older age
, I'm very fond of her. Most of the Zwartbles I've had have been very friendly. I have purebred Charollais who vary in their characters, some friendly and some not! But all have calmed down as they've got older.
If you want really friendly sheep, try and get some orphan lambs to bottle feed - if you can find the time!!