How to Shear a Cap on a Sheep

There are certain breeds of sheep that are considered to be wool-cap breeds, such as Corriedales and Hampshires. Leaving a wool cap on a sheep involves shearing off most of the wool, except for the wool on top of the head. This leaves a cap-like section of wool on the sheep. This shearing technique is used to make sheep presentable in show or for potential buyers. With a bit of practice, you can master this shearing method.

Things You'll Need

  • Dish soap
  • Warm water
  • Spray bottle
  • Wool card
  • Shears
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Mix dish soap and warm water into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the sheep's wool to help loosen the wool fibers. This allows you to easily brush it out. Take care not to get soap into the sheep's eyes.

    • 2

      Brush the wool with a wool card. Card the wool until all the fibers are separated. Comb out the wool as you would long hair. The wool should be sticking up when finished, and look like one big puff of hair.

    • 3

      Lightly spray the wool again before you begin to shear. This helps keep the fibers loose.

    • 4

      Shear the wool around the ears. Trim the wool all the way down to the skin. This gives a defined look to the cap.

    • 5

      Begin trimming the tips of the carded wool. When working on the cap, hold the shears with the blades angled up from the head to control the depth of the cut. Move the shears from the front of the head to the back in long, smooth strokes. Trim off the uneven tips of the wool. Repeat until you have the wool at a desirable length.

    • 6

      Brush out the wool again with the wool card. Inspect for any uneven cuts and correct them if necessary. Continue to cut the wool until it appears dense and uniform over the entire head of the sheep. The wool cap should look rounded and smooth.