The Horned Dorset is known as the "mother breed" of all sheep for its great mothering and milking ability.
Dorset ewes are today considered the greatest milkers of all sheep, and their lambs grow very rapidly on the rich, abundant
milk. Dorsets, unlike most other breeds of sheep, which generally lamb once a year in March or April, have the
genetic ability to breed year round, and three lamb crops in two years is not uncommon.
Dorsets are extremely hardy and productive animals, producing a desirable carcass, medium white wool, abundant
milk and fast-growing, numerous offspring, making them a good choice for a commercial operation or a small family
farm. In addition, their gentle temperament make them equally suitable for 4-H or Future Farmers of America projects.
Horned Dorsets are the "original" Dorsets and have two horns which curl or curve forward. "Polled" Dorsets, those
without horns, occurred from a genetic mutation in a flock held by North Carolina State College in the 1950s and were subsequently
accepted for registration by the Continental Dorset Club, the breed registry for Dorsets in the U.S.
This traditional medium-sized British Horned Dorset, which originated with a cross between the Spanish sheep and the
native English stock in the 16th century, was once the most popular breed in early America. Today, however, more intensive
farming practices have favored a trend towards the larger and, more frequently, the polled version (which we
believe often do not retain the hardiness, intelligence and other favorable attributes of the more traditional animal).
As a result, traditional Horned Dorset numbers are dwindling. We believe that, consistent with our philosophy, it
is important to retain the strengths of the original breed.
Please be sure to check our For Sale page to see who is currently available.
