Most prolific sheep breed (litter size per year)

The most prolific breed of sheep in terms of litter size per year is the French Romanov, with an average litter size range of 2.6–3.3 lambs. Originating in the Upper Volga region of Russia, it belongs to the North European short-tailed group of sheep breeds, whereas most other prolific sheep breeds belong to either the fat-tailed or the thin-tailed groups. In terms of average total number of lambs produced per year, conversely, the French Romanov is beaten by the Finnish landrace, which in specimens bred outside Finland produces two litters per year, the first with an average litter size range of 1.5–2.2 lambs, and the second with an average litter size range of 2–3.2 lambs. Native Finnish specimens produce smaller litters than those bred outside Finland.