Origin: Southeastern England, imported by John Ellman to America in the 1800's

Miniature Southdown Sheep Traits

• Faces are complete with wool. The wool on their face gives a 'Teddy Bear' appearance with a smiling facial expression.
• Stature is cobby
• Life Span - 15-16 years
• Both sexes are born polled (without horns)
• Legs are slightly inward bent
• Mouth must exhibit a 'smile'
• Height must not exceed 24" at shoulder
• Color - White is the predominant color with a few blacks. History indicates also a light brown or spotted. These genes crop up from time to time and are delightful to be developed.
• Gestation - 5 months

Special Qualities

• Gentle temperment
• Resistant to diseases
• Grass grazers
• Do not girdle trees and shrubs
• No horns
• Mix well with other animals
• Do not wander
• Herd animal

Uses

• They are excellent as weeders for organic growers since they are grass grazers and are not known for girdling trees and shrubs.
• Because of their diminutive size and gentle nature, they make great pets.
• Excellent for 4-H projects because of their small size.
• They are a good source of organic fertilizer. We have seen a great improvement in our garden simply by cleaning out their pen and adding it to our soil.

Here's more fertilizer for the garden, Mom!