Rare Breeds Of Sheep
All About The Rare Breeds Of Sheep
It seems that the feral and breeding stock for some of our most popular modern breeds of sheep are falling to the wayside, and those who used to comprise the entire population have become rare breeds of sheep. The Dorset horned is now one of the most rare breeds of sheep, after having given its very best root qualities to such prized meat sheep as the Dorper. The polled Dorset is a bit more popular, but is not genetically the same as the original, snow white, multi-horned beast who once dominated the English meat and wool markets of the 1800’s. Amiable and temperate in behavior, to see these rare breeds of sheep ebbing away is a source of great concern for ecologists and the farming community.
English Leicester sheep are also responsible for the creation of many substantial breeds born of the English countryside. None of his progeny are considered to be rare breeds of sheep, but his root numbers are diminishing rapidly. Though Leicester rams are still in a bit of demand for the creation of the prized Halfbred sheep, there are simply too few of them to go around. The Cheviot sheep has become one of those rare breeds of sheep who have been replaced, in an ironic way, by a cross bred sheep of its own making. A Romney/Cheviot crossbreeding created a more aggressive hillside utilitarian sheep who basically ran the Cheviot off of his New Zealand turf. Known as one of the most ancient, and regal, English breeds throughout history, there is a society dedicated to keeping the bloodlines running strong and pure.
The Lincoln Longwool is thought to be the very oldest and most established rare breeds of sheep developed in England, and exact recordings of these beautiful sheep date clearly to 1749, and even earlier. It is now used primarily for crossing with the English Leicester for the creation of the Halfbred, but has otherwise been deemed as obsolete to the current wool and meat markets.
The Oxford Down sheep is another one of those rare breeds of sheep who have no business being considered as obsolete. They are excellent suppliers of high quality, gourmet lamb, and are also wonderful meat providers in their own right. In its native England, the individuals in the few remaining flocks have been weighed in at 400 pounds or more. The Ryeland sheep has dwindled in numbers as well since its 13th century introduction to the meat and wool markets. A small, compact, white, and polled sheep breed who once was considered to be the most hardy and easy keeping breed alive. His bloodlines have graced and strengthened some of our current favorites.