Breed of sheep that originated in central or western Asia. They are raised chiefly for the skins of very young lambs, which have a glossy, tightly curled black coat (the "Persian lamb" of the fur trade). The wool of mature Karakul sheep, classified as carpet wool, is a mixture of coarse and fine fibres 6-10 in. (15-25 cm) long and varies from black to brown and gray