The Hampshire or Hampshire Down is a breed of sheep which originated around 1829 from a cross of Southdowns with the Old Hampshire breed, the Wiltshire Horn, and the Berkshire Nott, all horned, white-faced sheep — these were native to the open, untilled, hilly stretch of land known as the Hampshire … Resources Origin of Sheep The Dorset comes from the cross breeds of the Horned Sheep of Whales and Merino sheep Pros and Cons Ewe and Ram Breeds If you are interested in breeding Easycare sheep and require further information about this popular breed, visit the Hampshire Down Sheep Breeders' Association for current breed information, initiatives, and other useful breeder resources. People of Hampshire have had the pleasure of being referred to as ‘Hampshire Hogs’, from the late 18th century. Hampshire sheep were first imported to America in 1840 although it is thought that not many, if any of the breed actually survived the Civil War. Hampshire Down. I have 3 breeds of sheep so I can't play favorites but I can share pictures/pros and cons! It also develops Shropshire sheep, Oxford, and Hampshire sheep. The Hampshire Down breed not only produces a springy, medium staple wool, but was bred for its fast growing/maturing prime lambs. Hampshire being the home for hundreds of years of wild boar, that could be found foraging in the undergrowth of vast … Hampshire Sheep A Rare Breed of British Origin . Hampshire Down are part of the old heritage sheep breeds and have been officially recognised as a breed since 1861. Hampshire Down existed in Australia soon after this date. Hampshire ram, 1909 The Hampshire is a typical Downs breed and was developed in the Hampshire county of Great Britain during the eighteenth century by crossing the large Wiltshire with the smaller South Down (see » Southdown breed). Hampshire Downs Breed Information. Thus, the first successful import of the Hampshire sheep breed to the United States was in 1879 and the American Hampshire Sheep Association was started in 1889. It is an old breed and among the most important British sheep breeds. Hampshire sheep in pasture (photo courtesy of American Hampshire Sheep Association). I've never had one ever even look at me wrong. The Dorset sheep spread fast through Southwest England. Figure 10. Southdown sheep are commonly used to breed Canterbury lamb. A Suffolk ram (photo by J gareth p, Wikimedia Commons). The cormos have amazing fleece that handspinners will fight each other for. As expected, pedigree sheep sell for a much higher price. Lincoln sheep is a breed that originated from England; Lincoln is the largest British sheep breed. 3. They are also big puppydogs, especially the boys. The Hampshire or Hampshire Down is a breed of sheep which originated around 1829 from a cross of Southdowns with the Old Hampshire breed, the Wiltshire Horn, and the Berkshire Nott, all horned, white-faced sheep — these were native to the open, untilled, hilly stretch of land known as the Hampshire Downs. Circular 684 • Page 5 able carcass traits and wool quality make this breed one of the most popular in the United States. The main purposes of this breed are fleece production, meat production, and cross-breeding to develop other sheep breeds. The Hampshire is a typical Downs breed and was developed in the Hampshire county of Great Britain during the eighteenth century by crossing the large Wiltshire with the smaller South Down. Lincoln Sheep Jane Cooper Orkney, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. The Hampshire sheep breed is primarily raised for meat production.Hampshire lambs are fast-growing and at maturity, the Hampshire sheep breed is heavy boned with a lean carcass.. 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