Information on morphological characteristics is a prerequisite to sustainable breed improvement, utilization and conservation. The present study was initiated to describe the physical and morphological characteristics of indigenous sheep reared in Sidama-Gedeo, Kembata Tembaro-Hadiya, Gurage-Silte, Gamogofa and Wolaita zones of Southern Regional State of Ethiopia. Data on the assessment of qualitative characters and linear body measurements were obtained from a total of 3966 sheep that were drawn from 928 households. The results indicated that the most common tail form in the Sidama-Gedeo, Kembata Tembaro-Hadiya, Gurage-Silte and Wolaita sheep was of long fat type ending with a straight tip, whereas that of Gamogofa sheep was long thin tail ending with a curve tip. Hair coat colour pattern was mainly plain followed by patchy. The common hair of sheep in all studied zones was short and smooth. Sheep from Sidama-Gedeo, Kembata Tembaro-Hadiya and Gurage-Silte were devoid of wattle and ruff. Rams of Gurage-Silte and Wolaita had higher (P < 0.05) body weight values than those of other locations. Ewes of Sidama-Gedeo and Wolaita had relatively high (P < 0.05) body weight, whereas those of Gurage-Silte, Gamogofa and Wolaita had significantly high chest girth values. Gurage-Silte and Gamogofa rams had large (P < 0.05) chest girth values. The height at withers was high (P < 0.05) for both sexes in Sidama-Gedeo, Kembata Tembaro-Hadiya and Wolaita sheep. The highest body length was obtained from Wolaita rams, followed by Gamogofa and Kembata Tembaro-Hadiya rams, whereas the lowest body length was obtained from Gurage-Silte rams. Ewes of Sidama-Gedeo had higher (P < 0.05) body length values than those of other zones. The dendrogram indicated a close association among the sheep of Kembata Tembaro-Hadiya, Gurage-Silte and Sidama-Gedeo. However, sheep in Wolaita and Gamogofa were more distantly associated with those of the three zones. It can be concluded that the sheep in the study zones may possess unique adaptive features useful in designing sustainable sheep improvement strategies. However, a molecular-based genetic assessment of the population structure found in the study region might be given due consideration.
