The Bluefaced Leicester is of the English Longwool type of sheep. They originated from Border Leicester individuals selected for the blue face (white hairs on black skin) and finer fleeces. The wool is classed as demi-luster and fine.

Bluefaced Leicesters were imported to Canada in the 1970’s where they eventually made their way to the United States. Frozen semen from the United Kingdom is being used to expand the genetic base of the breed in the U.S. and Canada.