The Dorset Down is a breed of sheep native to the Dorset Downs region of England. It originated in the early 19th century from crosses of local and Hampshire ewes with Southdown rams.[1] The breed is not closely related to the Dorset (a.k.a. Dorset Horned), which is a white-faced sheep.
Dorset Downs are medium-sized, robust sheep with dark faces and short wool.[2] Prior to the importation of Continental breeds like the Texel, the Dorset Down was a popular terminal sire breed in the United Kingdom. Today it is listed as a minority breed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.[3] It was also exported to North and South America, New Zealand and Australia, but remains fairly rare in those countries as well.[4]
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