The Van Rooy hair sheep breed began in 1906 by South African Senator J. C. van Rooy, with a plan to create animals that could cope with drought, have high production, and good conformation.
He started with a Blinkhaar Afrikaner ram and Rambouillet ewes. A polled Wensleydale ram was introduced later.
The Van Rooy sheep is now run mostly in the arid areas.
Distribution is South Africa and Australia.