The Manx Loaghtan (/ˈlɒxtən/ LOKH-tən)[2] is a rare breed of sheep (Ovis aries) native to the Isle of Man.

[5] The Manx Loaghtan is a small sheep, with no wool on their dark brown faces and legs.

There are now many holdings on the UK mainland that also breed Loaghtans, including some farms with over 100 ewes: for example the Fowlescombe Flock in Devon.

[8] This gourmet meat is highly prized, often being sold as hogget or mutton from well-finished animals.

The disease did not reach the island itself, nor the Calf, which continued exports of the meat to the continent of Europe.

The Loaghtan is believed to be the closest surviving relative of the now extinct Jersey sheep.

Consequently, the name of the island became a generic term for the jersey, an item of knitted clothing, worn as a pullover.

[9] There appears to be a link between the presence of Loaghtan sheep and the ability of the chough to thrive.