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The American Tunis or Tunis is an endangered American breed of fat-tailed sheep. It derives from Tunisian Barbarin sheep imported to the United States from Tunisia in 1799.[2] It is raised primarily for meat.[2]

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Weight
Male: 91 kg[2]
Female: 66 kg[2]
Wool colour white
Face colour red
Horn status hornless in both sexes

Physical Description
At birth, Tunis lambs weigh 7-12 pounds. Mature rams in breeding condition weigh between 175 and 225 pounds and measure 28-30 inches at the withers. Mature ewes should be 25 to 50 pounds lighter and 2 to 4 inches shorter. Individual animals in show condition will likely exceed these weights. The breed is alert and their eyes, as well as ears, convey intelligence and grace.

When Tunis lambs are first born they are red or tan in colour. A white spot is sometimes present on the forehead and on the tip of the tail. The lambs gradually turn white as the wool grows although the hair on the face and legs retains a reddish or tan colour. Both rams and ewes are polled. Some sources also report an ability to breed out of season.

Although Tunis are currently listed as rare with the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (Box 477, Pittsboro, NC 27312), the NTSR has surpassed 1000 lamb registrations per year. Attesting to the breed's wider acceptance and growing popularity there has been a steady increase in registrations for the past 10 years.