Sheep: Dorset Down

Country of Origin 

England. Dorset, County of Devon

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Australian Status

 

 

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Uses

 

Meat, Short Wool, Terminal sire

 

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Breed traits

A sturdy breed with black noses and black around the eyes, ears, and legs - the colour on the face and legs may range from black through to light brown shades. The body wool is white, although may contain some black strands. There is longer (white) wool on the face around the eyes and on the poll although the black mask is clear of long wool, and vision is thus not restricted before shearing. 

The breed matures very quickly being ready for sale at 10 to 12 weeks old. Both genders make great prime lamb carcasses with the benefit of this being all on grass. The meat is well flavoured, the shoulder being particularly flavoursome and robust, and the loins have generous meat. Dorset Downs make a top terminal sire.

The down's wool is typically short, measuring 25-29 microns, often used in hosiery. It has enough crimp in the raw wool to be elastic . The wool is hard-wearing making it suitable for socks and blankets. The staple is 5 to 10 cm ( 2 - 4 in.) making it suitable for spinning although longer staple breeds are preferred for spinning.

The breed is hardy in cold weather areas with the short dense nature of the wool making it resistant to poor weather. Lambs have tightly curled wool which keeps them warm.

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History

One of the black face downs breeds, the breed was formed during the nineteenth century with local sheep crossed to Southdowns and Hampshire Downs. Despite the name, they are not closely related to the Dorset breed with white faces.

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Breed Organisation

Dorset Down Sheep Society, Secretary ; Dr Colin Chapman. https://www.assba.com.au/Main.asp?_=DORSET%20DOWN 

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Australian Population

2018 Ewes 168 Rams 19

2022 Ewes 120 Rams 11

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