Olde English "Babydoll" Miniature Southdown Sheep
Originating on the South Down hills of Sussex County, England it is one of the oldest English breeds of sheep. English farms kept these hardy sheep for their flavorful meat and fine fleece. In 1780, John Ellman began to standardize the breed and these small Southdown grew in popularity up until 1908. Prior to World War I there were approximately 367 registered flocks with ewes totaling around 111,000. By the end of World War II the demand for larger cuts of meat had almost forced this breed into extinction.
The "Olde English Babydoll Registry" was formed in 1991 by Robert Mock after he searched and found a sufficient number of these sheep in North America to establish a foundation flock. For more information on the history of "Babydoll" sheep see “Origin and Background Olde English Babydoll Southdown Sheep”
The "Olde English Babydoll Registry" was formed in 1991 by Robert Mock after he searched and found a sufficient number of these sheep in North America to establish a foundation flock. For more information on the history of "Babydoll" sheep see “Origin and Background Olde English Babydoll Southdown Sheep”
At FurryCreek Farm our goal is to produce a quality purebred little "Babydoll" sheep for the following purposes:
- Pets - Their gentle nature and small size makes them an excellent companion for young and elderly alike. They are especially well suited to suburban properties and small acreages.
- Wool - "Babydoll" fleece is a hand spinner`s delight. The fleece has been tested and found to be 19 to 20 microns, which puts it into the class of cashmere. The fleece also has more barbs per inch than any other wool types, making it ideal to blend with other fibers, ie: Angora rabbit or Angora goat, etc.
- Organic Weeder - Utilizing "Babydolls" as an organic weeder has had great success as they will not harm fruits, girdle trunks, or harm shrubs. They been proven to be effective on orchards, berry farms and vineyards leaving the grounds well groomed and fertilized. See "Organic Weeders", "Organic Weed Trails" and "Sheep in the Vineyard"
- Companion Animal - "Babydolls" are ideal companions for other non-aggressive livestock. Their calm, docile dispositions have a soothing effect on other animals, such as other sheep breeds, goats, llamas, alpacas, miniature donkeys and horses, etc. They should not be kept with intact male llamas or alpacas as they may attempt to breed them.
Please note that Babydoll Sheep are a very social animal and must be kept in groups of two or more for their health and mental well being.
The original Southdown Breed Standard click here.
Sources for more Information on "Babydoll" Sheep See:
OLDE ENGLISH "BABYDOLL" SOUTHDOWN SHEEP REGISTRY "The Original Southdown Sheep"
BABYDOLL SOUTHDOWN SHEEP BREEDERS ASS
NORTH AMERICAN BABYDOLL SOUTHDOWN SHEEP ASSOCIATION & REGISTRY
The original Southdown Breed Standard click here.
Sources for more Information on "Babydoll" Sheep See:
OLDE ENGLISH "BABYDOLL" SOUTHDOWN SHEEP REGISTRY "The Original Southdown Sheep"
BABYDOLL SOUTHDOWN SHEEP BREEDERS ASS
NORTH AMERICAN BABYDOLL SOUTHDOWN SHEEP ASSOCIATION & REGISTRY