Curating America’s most distinguished collection of genuine sheepskin rugs

A genuine sheepskin rug is a tanned and preserved skin of a sheep with the wool still attached, these rugs have been cherished for centuries, prized for their versatile insulation properties.

Terminology: All the Same Thing

Sheepskins rugs are also referred to in many different ways, but they’re all the same, a tanned and preserved skin of a sheep with the wool still attached.

Sheep pelt / Sheepskin hide Sheepskin / Sheep skin Sheepskins / Sheepskin skins Sheepskin rug / Lambskin rug

The texture of a sheepskin varies between each hide, this is why we provide descriptions for each pelt helping you find the perfect hide for your needs. Our genuine sheepskins don’t have that rough, scratchy texture you might associate with old wool sweaters (unless specifically labeled as coarse).

Most of our sheepskins range from silky soft to very soft, some have a slightly more woolly softness. After all, it is natural wool! The texture typically depends on factors like the sheep’s breed, environment it lived in and age.

The backside of a sheepskin rug features a suede finish. Since these are “single face sheepskins,” we don’t expect the suede side to be flawless—it’s a natural leather surface with authentic characteristics. Each sheepskin is hand-trimmed, which means the shape and edge finish will vary from hide to hide.

Our sheepskin hides come exclusively from meticulously cared-for livestock. Each piece is “perfectly imperfect” by design—these are natural pelts created by nature, not manufactured products. The variations and markings you see are proof of authenticity and part of what makes each sheepskin genuinely unique.

European Sheepskins

The majority of our sheepskins come from European countries with rigorous environmental, labor, and health standards—regulations that are actually more stringent than those in the United States. We partner with small, family-run tanneries that have been operating for generations.

Mutton and lamb are dietary staples throughout much of Europe, which means sheepskin pelts are readily available as by-products of the meat industry. These hides would otherwise be discarded, and we’re committed to a zero-waste philosophy by giving them new purpose.

Europe’s climate is ideal for raising sheep and lambs. The animals graze freely on open land rather than being confined to feedlots. This natural, pasture-based lifestyle results in exceptionally clean wool, happy sheep and less injuries to their skin.

Our European sheepskins are acquired from several countries in Europe including the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Iceland and England each offering totally unique qualities.

Asian Sheepskins

We offer select sheepskins native to China, including fleece from the rare Tibetan sheep (also known as Mongolian lambskins). These sheep are raised free-roaming in open pastures, and all pelts are by-products of the meat industry—not harvested solely for decorative purposes. These skins are some of the softest lightest weight fluffy fur hides around! Mongolian sheepskins are among my personal absolute favorite when used as garments and as luxury throws due to their feather-lite weight, each hide only weighing approximately 8oz.

Sheepskin rugs are more than just a decorative choice—they represent a centuries-old tradition of utilizing natural resources to provide warmth and comfort in harsh climates. The question of whether these rugs are ethical is one that deserves thoughtful consideration, and the answer involves multiple factors.

Why We Believe Our Sheepskins Are Ethical and Sustainable:

Natural Living Conditions: The sheep are born and raised freely on open pastureland, living naturally until they’re gathered. They don’t experience the stress of confinement in barns or cramped fencing—they enjoy a quality of life that respects their natural behavior.

Multi-Purpose Animals: Sheep provide numerous valuable natural products including fiber (wool), meat, milk, and lanolin. They’re versatile animals that serve many purposes throughout their lives.

Zero-Waste By-Product: Sheep are not raised or slaughtered for their pelts. Sheepskins are by-products of the meat industry—hides that would otherwise be discarded as waste. By transforming these pelts into beautiful, functional rugs, we’re honoring the animal’s life by ensuring nothing goes to waste.

This approach aligns with sustainable practices and responsible resource management, making our sheepskins both an ethical and environmentally conscious choice.

Real Authentic Sheepskins vs. Faux Alternatives

The Undeniable Environmental Facts

Genuine sheepskins are renewable, eco-friendly, recyclable, reworkable, biodegradable, and kind to the earth—especially natural sheepskins without chemical dyes. To put this in perspective, I own a vintage genuine sheepskin B3 bomber jacket that’s over 40 years old and still looks fantastic! In contrast, a faux leather jacket typically won’t survive more than a season or two before splitting, cracking, and flaking apart.

The Plastic Problem

Faux fur is made from plastic—full stop. Plastic and microplastic pollution is one of the most serious environmental crises facing our planet today. When you discard that cheap faux fur purchase, it will take thousands of years to break down, if it ever does at all. A quick online search will reveal the devastating scope of this problem.

The Faux Leather Reality

Faux leather contains 50-70% urethane to bind together whatever trendy base material is currently popular (apple leather, mushroom leather, etc.). Urethane is a toxic substance that falls between plastic and rubber in composition. There’s a reason many states have banned urethane floor finishes—it’s harmful.

The True Cost

While it’s true that no animals are directly harmed in producing faux products, the reality is that these alternatives harm animals, humans, and the environment in the long run. The lasting damage to our planet is immeasurable since faux furs and leathers are non-biodegradable yet have extremely short lifespans.

Longevity Matters

Faux fur and leather typically last only one season, while a well-cared-for genuine sheepskin product will serve you beautifully for years, even decades. Quality and sustainability go hand in hand.

Industry Terminology: Understanding the Names

The sheepskin industry uses many terms that all refer to the same product. You may encounter any of these names: sheep pelt, sheep hide rug, sheep fur rug, sheepskin rug, shearling rug, sheepskins, sheep skin, lambskin rug, and sheep fleece rug.

Despite the variety of names, all these terms describe the same thing: a tanned and preserved sheep skin with the wool still attached to the hide.