The Original St Croix Assn allows a body spot not over a quarter size. There may be black on the ears on less than 1/4 of the ear. There may be black skin on the eyelids - a "mascara line"and black on the lips with very small "freckles" on the nose & legs.We have had St Croix since 1991, getting our original animals from Utah State University. One second generation ram had a quarter sized spot on his ribs. None of his get had it. One of our show ewes had a spot on an ear, none of her lambs have had it. Over the years 3 lambs have come with red across the back of their necks, they were sold without papers. I have heard of some coming with red spots, one that was coal black, and a recessive that is light greyish with a barbado pattern on the face - this is very rare. When the origainal researchers started they looked for a pure white coat. You must realize that the St Croix are a "primitive breed". No outcrossing is allowed.Occassionally recessive things will happen. Consider the Holstein breed of Dairy cows. Some come red/white.

  As I understand it , the St Thomas requires at least one parent must be pure St Croix.If you enjoy parti-colored sheep, go for it.We have two older pet ewes descended from when we bought a dozen grade Barbado ewes in the beginning to have lambs for the local market. They are both "pinto colored" 1/2 St Croix. We sell their offspring for meat or sheepdog training.2/3rds of their offspring have been white, 1/3 spotted.When we bred those grade barbado ewes they mostly had twins. One would be white - the other "Pinto" which were very popular.

    Jo Swan,The Swan Ranch,Glide,OR