Hill Breeds

Scottish Blackface

Scottish Blackface are the more numerous breed in the United Kingdom. The breed originated in Great Britain but is now used in the USA and Ireland as well.
The ‘Blackie’, as it’s often called, can also be sub-divided into 3 types, which differ slightly in size and appearance – the types are known as Perth, Lanark and Northumberland.
The outstanding qualities of the breed are survivability/hardiness, adaptability and versatility.
Blackface ewes are excellent mothers and will protect their lambs against predators.
Once settled, the stock rarely leave their own area or mix with sheep from other areas which reduces the need for expensive fencing (a practice known as hefting).
Scottish Blackface have large horns, a roman nose, and unusual black and white facial markings. The fleece is white, long and coarse. The legs are usually black or black and white and are free from wool.
Scottish Blackface wool is used primarily in carpet making or in mattresses.

The Swaledale hill breed originated in the Yorkshire valley of Swaledale.
The upper part of a Swaledale face is dark complexioned while the muzzle is white/grey or mealy in colour. Swaledale sheep have large, curled horns.
Their fleece is thick and white while their legs are grey or mottled in colour and are free from wool.
The ewes make excellent mothers and are known for being able to rear lambs well, even in adverse conditions.
They are known for producing good mutton and wool.

The Welsh Mountain is a hill breed from Wales.
Like the Scottish Blackface there are different types that differ in size and appearance – the types are known as White, Badger Face, Balwen, Black and South Wales. The White Welsh Mountain type are the most common variant.
Welsh Mountain sheep are typically smaller and more compact than other hill breeds, where they have been bred to survive in harsh environments.
Often the tails of Welsh Mountain sheep are left undocked.
Rams usually have horns while the ewes are usually polled.
They have fleece covering except for their head and legs.

The Cheviot is a hill breed that originated in the Cheviot hills in the Scottish Borders.
Like the Scottish Blackface there are different types – North Country and South Country Cheviot.
The North Country Cheviot is the largest of the UK hill breeds.
The South Country Cheviot is smaller than the North Country Cheviot.
Rams may have horns while the ewes are usually polled.
They have a dense, firm white fleece covering except for their head and legs.
Like many hill breeds the Cheviot is hardy and has very strong maternal instincts.
Cheviot wool is used for wool coats, blankets, rugs and hosiery yarns.

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