As long as there are sheep, shearing must be practiced for the health and hygiene of each individual animal. Unlike other animals, most sheep are unable to shed. If a sheep goes too long without being shorn, a number of problems occur. The excess wool impedes the ability of sheep to regulate their body temperatures.

Can sheep live without being sheared?

And before sheep were domesticated (about 11,000-13,000 years ago), wool shed naturally and pulled off when it got caught on branches or rocks. ... Although Ouessant sheep can survive as a breed without regular shearing, they do not thrive, and individual sheep can suffer and die due to complications from lack of shearing.

What kind of sheep do not need shearing?

"Hair sheep" have a coat that's more like other animal's hair, so there's no shearing required. They're better suited for brush control and meat. "Hair sheep," as they're called, have a coat that's more like other animal's hair, so it doesn't require shearing.