Karakul lambs are what the fur industry craved in the 1950's. The Mongolian lamb fur coats and hats were tightly curled black fur , which actually was the pelts of newborn or even lambs in utero. When people learned that the fur was not fur, but the skins of the babies, the lamb fur coat trade fell in and countless Karakul sheep were sent to their slaughter. The meat is very lean because fat is stored in the large tail, much like a camel stores water and nutrients in its hump. The coats of the sheep change colour and texture, becoming lighter and coarser as they age. Dora is going to be 4 years old and was pure black at birth. The sun bleached her wool the first year and it appeared a reddish brown, but when sheared the undercoat is black. The wool is excellent for felting and is strong and long, which is also wonderful carpet and rug wool. Dora has not had a baby, likely because the rams do not know how to deal with the extra wide fat tail. She is kept on the farm for her beautiful coat and her lovely disposition. Dora loves her livestock guardian dogs as well and is often seen having conversations with them, though it is telepathic. What a lovely girl she is, my Dora, named after my aunt, whom I loved so dearly too.