Dala sheep are not traditional symbols of Sweden; horses are the original, commanding the vast majority of the attention, though pigs and roosters are the dala animals that are next most often encountered. But while they are not commonly carved and painted like a dalahäst, sheep are traditional farm animals in Sweden.

Named for the Swedish island and province from which they come, Gotland sheep are descended of Gute sheep, a landrace whose bloodlines date back to the vikings. Gotlands are dual purpose sheep, raised both for meat and for their long, curly, smoky black to silvery blue wool—wonderful for spinning by hand, as well as felting.