Short answers, pulled from the story.
The Heidschnucke is a group of three moorland sheep breeds from northern Germany, belonging to the broader family of Northern European short-tailed sheep. The main breeding areas are the heathland and moors of the Lüneburg Heath.
The three Heidschnucke breeds, in order of population size, are the German Grey Heath (Graue Gehörnte Heidschnucke), the White Polled Heath (Weiße Hornlose Heidschnucke or Moorschnucke), and the White Horned Heath (Weiße Gehörnte Heidschnucke).
Meat from the German Grey Heath may be sold under the protected name Lüneburger Heidschnucke g. U. and can carry the seal for Protected Designation of Origin (geschützte Ursprungsbezeichnung) across Europe. The Diepholz Moorschnucke is also recognised as a protected local breed.
Heidschnuckentag takes place every year on the second Thursday in July at Müden. Young rams are presented to breeders and onlookers, prizes are awarded to the best animals, and the event closes with an auction.
Some Heidschnucke breeds are classified as domestic species threatened with extinction, and their preservation is subsidised within the European Union.
Selective breeding during the 20th century separated the previously mixed north German flocks into the distinct breeds seen today and virtually doubled the animals' weight.