The presently known Cikta descends from the Zaupelschaf widely spread in the mediaeval Central Europe, which was a small sheep with curly mixed fleece. They were out-of-season breeders and lambed often two lambs. The breed was brought to Hungary by the German-speaking population arriving during the settlements after Ottoman rule. First of all they spread in Tolna and Baranya Counties, because of this the breed was called also the Swabian sheep of Tolna-Baranya. Owing to their undemanding nature and their wool used in the cottage industry this sheep breed was common in the household farming plots. The conservation programme of this breed has been carried out by breeding less than 100 animals. Despite the consistent and persistent breeding work, this breed is still endangered. The registered livestock consists of about 800 sheep. Nowadays this breed is becoming more and more popular, because with a relatively small investment they raise showy, healthy lambs based on grazing. Their mutton is tasty and lean. The Cikta is an ideal small acreage or backyard breed to raise. They can be recommended to maintain larger yards, areas covered in grass.