In the Karakul sheep of Southern Africa four major pelt types can be identified, namely pipe curl, developed shallow curl, shallow curl and watersilk types. A study of the foetal skin was undertaken to determine whether histological differences do exist between these four types. Skin samples were taken at 10 day intervals from 48 to 138 day-old foetuses. The biopsies were from 11 predetermined sites. In vertical sections skin thickness, follicle lengths and depths, angle of follicles to skin surface and bulb diameter were measured. In horizontal sections counts were made of primary and secondary follicles, as well as anlagen, to determine secondary to primary (S/P) ratios and density, while the long and short axes of fibres were measured to determine mean diameter. Subjective evaluations were carried out on fibre contour, presence or absence of medullae and the nature of the pigmentation. Although differences between lines were established in most of the characteristics it was not possible to relate them to curl pattern.