New Zealand Introduced Animals > Dorset Horn Sheep

Dorset Horn Sheep

Domestic Livestock – Rare Breed

ORIGIN: A native to the county of Devon in Southern England, it was officially registered as a breed in 1891. It originated from the crossing of Portland sheep and Southdowns. The breed first arrived in New Zealand in 1900 but did not prove popular. Little interest was shown until 1940, when ten ewes and a ram were imported from Australia.

BREED DESCRIPTION: Curled horns on both sexes, although the male horns are larger. Distinct white face, clear of wool with noticeable pink skin and nostrils. Wool on poll. They have a short fleece of down type. Wool is present on legs to the knee with a pale hoof below. They are a hardy and vigorous breed with a rapid growth rate.

USES IN NEW ZEALAND: The Dorset Horn is mainly a meat breed although their fleece can be used in hosiery and fine tweeds. In New Zealand they are mainly kept for the preservation of the breed.

GENERAL: The Dorset Horn is found throughout New Zealand in small numbers and it thought that there is 300-400 left in the country.


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