South Dorset (sheep)

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The Dorset is an older breed of sheep that is still popular today. Dorsets are also in the breeding background of many of the newer sheep breeds. There are two sub-breeds, horned, and polled (no horns). They are white with short ears, pink skin, and light coloured hooves. They are known to be good mothers, and because they lamb earlier than most breeds, they are often used by farmers raising lamb for the "hothouse" market. Hothouse lambs are lambs that are born, usually inside, in the middle of winter. They are in demand for the Easter season. Dorset ewes are often crossed with Suffolk rams to get a fast growing, early born lamb.