[3] Traditionally, they were raised for their lean but flavourful meat, milk for cheesemaking, and wool for mattress-filling.

[2] According to the DGAV (Direção geral de allmentação e veterinária), a 2019 studbook registered purebred adults, listing 64 rams and 1626 ewes.

[7] In 2024 the total population had risen to an estimated 7411–8252 head, with a breeding stock of 3822 ewes and 63 rams in 47 flocks;[2][9] its conservation status was listed as "at risk/vulnerable".

[8]: 285  The fleece is mostly confined to the neck and trunk of the animal, leaving the head, lower legs, and belly exposed.

However, ewes grow to an average 85 cm (33 in) at the withers, weighing 55 kg (120 lb) at maturity.