Dorsets - horned, down and polled

There are two types of Dorset sheep: Dorset Horn and Polled Dorset. Polled sheep are more common. Dorset mothers have a strong mothering instinct, and usually produce large quantities of rich milk. They are also one of the few breeds of sheep that have a longer open season. 

Horned sheep rams are much more confident in protecting themselves, and are calmer and gentler when unprovoked. It is natural for the ewes to have horns in most horned breeds.

Dorsets came from the Merino sheep who were brought to South England from Spain, and crossed with the Horned Sheep from Wales.

Both types are pure white. Dorset ewes weigh from 150 to 200 pounds at maturity. Dorset rams weigh from 225 to 275 pounds at maturity. The ewes are good mothers, good milkers and multiple births are not uncommon. Dorset mothers have a strong mothering instinct, and usually produce large quantities of rich milk. They are also one of the few breeds of sheep that have a longer "open season".

Polled Dorsets came from the North Carolina State College, Raleigh, NC, and resulted from a mutation of the purebred Horned Dorset flock at the college.

The Dorset Horn is regarded as one of the oldest and purest breeds in the British Isles. While the breed has many Downs-type characteristics, its purity of colour suggests an association with long wool breeds.

The Dorset Down originated in England around 1800 by mating Southdown rams with the large Hampshire Down (Hampshire), Berkshire and Wiltshire ewes. The breed was introduced to Australia in 1937, but has not gained great popularity.

The Dorset Down is a quick maturing, robust breed. Its main role is as a terminal sire for prime lamb production. Number, and hence selection potential, are small.

Picture credits: (1) some of the pictures from Cyril Welsh, website this way

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