The Dorset Down

(Article reproduced from the December 1994 issue of ARMBA News)

With just 300 registrations recorded in 1993, this British short woolled breed is classified "critical" by ARMBA and recommended "in need of support" by Stephen Davies (Head of the Sheep Committee) in the annual Sheep Report. The breed bears the name of the county it originiated from, although its early history is not clear. Some say it can be traced back to the 1820's and resulted from crosses of Southdown rams over Berkshire, Hampshire or Wiltshire ewes while others suggest it probably derived from the Hampshire Down with infusions of Southdown. Interestingly, Kenneth Ponting in his book "Sheep Breeds of the World" says the difference between the Hampshire and Dorset Down is minimal. The first flock book was issued in the UK in 1906.

Like most British breeds, the Dorset Down was regional in its distribution, being found largely in Dorset and Somerset. It was exported overseas and small populations are still found in New Zealand and Argentina as well as Australia. It is reputed they were first introduced here in 1937. The breed has primarily been used for crossing purposes to produce lean, fast growing lambs. The ewes are prolific breeders and good mothers. Recent (1994) figures from the Lamb Plan Trial at Rutherglen Research Institute in Victoria show that out of 28 sires used, the Dorset Down ranked fourth in carcase weight, seventh in eye muscle, seventh for liveweight and twenty-eighth for fat score. It was concluded that the breed is the ideal sire for lambs up to 18kg. The fleece is regarded as springy and full handling, with a staple length of 50 - 80 mm and fineness of 26 micron. Traditionally the wool has been used in the UK for hoisery or added to blends to provide elasticity and improve handling quality.

Breed Characteristics

Medium sized body, firm close-fitting shoulders, short strong neck, deep breast and a broad, straight back. Ribs are well sprung, and the barrel deep with a level underline. Legs are medium length, well woolled at least to the hocks and grey-brown in colour. The face is clean, grey-brown in colour, well woolled down to the eyes. Ears also are coloured.