Breeds of Sheep

1. Breeds of Sheep AgSc 102 Ms. Weller

2. Delaine Merino • Originated from the Spanish Merino • Smooth body • White-faced with white legs • Extremely hardy • Head and legs covered with wool

3. Rambouillet • Developed in France, but descendant of the Spanish Merino • First introduced to U.S. in 1840 • Large, wide head with white hair around nose and ears • Body fleece is close and compact

4. Cheviot • Originated in Scotland • First brought to the U.S. in 1838 • White, wool free faces • Nose, lips, and feet are black • Usually polled

5. Dorset • Originated in England • First brought to U.S. in 1885 • Face, ears, and legs white & practically free from wool • Horned and polled varieties exist • Widely used in U.S.

6. Hampshire • Originated in Hampshire County, England • Black face, ears, and legs • Ears, face, and legs below the knee free from wool • Used as a market lamb • Polled

7. Oxford • Originated in England • First brought to U.S. in 1846 • Top knot in front of ears and between the eyes • Face, ears, and legs vary in color from gray to brown • Polled

8. Southdown • Originated in England • First brought to U.S. in 1803 • Face, legs, and ears are light brown • Wool covers face and legs • Polled • Excel in carcass quality and body confirmation

9. Suffolk • Originated in England • First brought to U.S. in 1888 • Black face, legs, & ears and all free from wool • Polled • Ewes are very prolific

10. Columbia • First breed to be developed in U.S. • Open face, white hair on face & feet, hooves are white or black • Suited to western rangeland conditions • Polled

11. Corriedale • Developed in New Zealand • First brought to U.S. in 1914 • Face, ears, and legs are white • Polled • Dual purpose breed

12. Information from Instructional Materials Services Curriculum #8395