Sheep is a common name for many species of wild and domesticated ruminant mammals of the genus Ovis of the Bovidae, or cattle, family. The male is called a ram (if castrated it is a wether), the female is called a ewe, and their offspring is a lamb. Wild sheep, found in mountainous parts of Asia, North America, and the Mediterranean region, are agile rock climbers with large, spiraling horns. They do not bear wool. Among those species are the Asian argali, the Barbary sheep, or aoudad, of North Africa, and the North American bighorn, or Rocky Mountain sheep, found from Alaska to Mexico. Sheep were first domesticated over 7,000 years ago. The present-day breeds of domesticated sheep are bred for their wool, meat, skins, and, in certain parts of Europe and the Middle East, their milk, from which cheese is made. They are found mostly in temperate climates and thrive on roughages. Most sheep mate in the fall, and the lambs, born five months later, are called spring lambs.

We primarily have three breeds of sheep here at the farm…

Olde English Baby Doll Sheep
This breed originated in Southeastern England in the 1780's and was imported into the United States in 1802.  However, breeding was abandoned in favor of larger animals. The last remaining flocks of the original Southdowns were identified in 1990 by Robert Mock who created the "Olde English Babydoll Southdown" registry with 350 foundation stock.

These teddy bear faced sheep are intelligent, quiet docile and tame easily, plus with a little attention they come when you call or will walk on a leash.  These gentle creatures measure less than 24" tall from the shoulder; adults weigh 70 to 150 pounds.. They are good weeders and lawn mowers. 

Southdown
This breed originated on the South Downs of Sussex, England, and now raised throughout the world. It is a small sheep, the most thickset of all breeds, and it is valued for the meatiness of the lamb carcasses. The wool is of medium length and fine grade; it varies in color from gray to brown on the face and feet. The Southdown, one of the oldest English breeds, has been extensively used in improving other breeds; it was first imported to the United States in 1803 and has found acceptance in farm flock areas.