Dorset Sheep
The History And Current Station Of The Dorset Sheep
Most predominantly known for its consistent and even habitual lambing habits, the Dorset sheep is a key factor in the meat markets during the North American and English holiday seasons. Almost as if sent strictly for the purpose of feast, the Dorset sheep gives a lamb just in time for both Christmas and Easter, and often twice more throughout each year. The original Dorset sheep stock was horned, but a polled strain was developed and classified in 1956. Both species will reach up to 200 pounds for ewes and 280 pounds for rams, depending on how long they are permitted to live. This constitutes a solid build, for those who are unfamiliar with sheep.
The Somerset sheep is directly related to the Dorset sheep, though a tad bit larger in stature and overall weight. The Dorset sheep has a white nose, and this is a trademark of the breed, whereas the Somerset is adorned with a pink nose. Both are prone to the same prolific lambing habits, and there is no distinct determination between the meat texture or taste. The Portland sheep is another direct relative of the Dorset sheep, and is smaller in build. Wool is not a popular yield from any of the above breeds, though it can be and is used for specific yarn and string markets. The costs of shearing have skyrocketed of late, and the meat market is a far more lucrative and less laborious task for the farmer to undertake.
The Dorset sheep is a considerably primitive breed, though straining over the past few centuries has highlighted some of the more favorable traits of the feral breeding stock. The thick short legs are a trait which have given way to hardy and stout hooves, perfect for low maintenance in pasture and hold. The colorations vary from a light beige to white, and the horned varieties give striking curled shows. Personality is also a big draw for the Dorset sheep, being a calm and predictable animal for show and arena, and also during propagation. The breed maintains its ability to propagate throughout the year, while other sheep will fall into and out of season with climatic changes.
These hardy and popular sheep have become the number one rated and owned white-faced sheep in the United States, and their populations continue to grow in other countries as well. The Suffolk is the only other breed of sheep with higher numbers in the U.S., and these numbers are becoming even closer as the livestock expositions and stock shows introduce new generations to the impressive white-faced, easy care sheep breed known as the Dorset. They have become one of the most common 4H project animals for youth, offering almost guaranteed success.