Xalda

The Xalda is an endangered breed of sheep indigenous to the Asturias province of Northern Spain.

==History== The Xalda is one of the oldest sheep breeds in Spain. It is first recorded in 27 BCE, by the Greek historian Estruban, who wrote of black tunics being made by the Asturi tribe out of the Xalda's wool. The Xalda likely traces its lineage back to the ancient Ovis aries celticus, and is related to other sheep of Celtic origin, including the Ouessant, the Black Wales, the morite, and several German breeds. Most of its related Iberian ancestors are extinct, with one notable exception being the very rare Bordaleira of Northern Portugal.