Sheep were first domesticated about 6000 years ago, because of their strong flocking instinct. Also, in this one animal was found all the basic needs of life at that time... food (meat and milk), clothing (wool) and shelter (sheepskin). Nothing was wasted.

Still today, all parts of the animal are used. The sheepskin is only one of the many by-products of the Sheep Farming Industry. The sheepskin pelt is tanned and then used in many wonderful ways instead of being discarded.

Sheepskins used to make our products are a recycled by-product of the food and wool industry. The sheep are primarily raised for their food value, and not their hides.

Sheepskin is a natural product that cannot be duplicated by man-made fibers. As with all natural products, blemishes and variations will occasionally occur. They contribute to the uniqueness of the skins and show that they are real and not imitations.

Sheepskin items have timeless value and will last for years with minimum care, by brushing and shaking them out or by vacuuming. Many sheepskin products can also be gently hand or machine-washed in lukewarm water using wool wash or a non-enzyme liquid detergent. We recommend Eucalan Woolwash, a lanolin enriched biodegradable washing agent. Do not use Woolite or laundry detergents such as Tide! DO NOT WASH UNLESS YOU ARE SURE THAT YOUR SHEEPSKIN IS WASHABLE. If they have not been specifically marked or purchased as such, take them to a furrier for cleaning. Also severe heat will damage sheepskins resulting in shrinking and hardening of the pelts.

For more complete information on caring for specific sheepskin products, please view our Care Tips page.