Breeds of Sheep AgSc 102 Ms. Weller

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Information from Instructional Materials Services Curriculum #8395