Miniature Southdown Sheep

Olde English Miniature Babydoll Southdown sheep are an ancient breed with sweet, teddy bear faces. Because of their diminutive size, miniature Southdowns make outstanding weeders for use in orchards and vineyards -- they are only 24 inches tall when mature, and so can't easily reach tree branches or trellised grapes. Their small hooves help break the soil surface without compacting it. They move easily up and down hills, and can get into a field or vineyard much earlier than machinery can. And not only do they provide an organic alternative to pesticides and expensive mowing operations, their recycled grass (manure) helps improve soil fertility as well. Miniature Southdowns are usually white; however, there are also black (or brown) ones. They are easy to handle and are not aggressive. They are not wanderers and do not bother fences. Ewes are good mothers and often have twins and occasionally triplets. Care for miniature Southdown's is similar to that of other sheep, including sheering, vaccinating, foot trimming, and worming, however, as an ancient breed they are resistant to foot root and more resistant to parasites than other breeds. Their wool is short stapled and fine with a 19-22 micron count, which puts it in the class of cashmere. The Southdown breed of sheep originated in the South Downs of Sussex county, England.  They are one of the oldest of the Down breeds.  English farms kept these sheep for their dual-purpose--flavorful meat and fine fleece.  Early literature suggests that Southdowns were among the animals brought into the English colonies as early as 1640.  During this time, Britain strictly forbade the importation of sheep and the formation of America's budding woolen textile industry.  In fact, in 1698, the penalty for wool-trading or sheep-trading in the American colonies was having one's right hand cut off!  So spinning or weaving was an act of patriotism.  Wearing clothing crafted of American woolens was done with pride.  Both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson raised sheep and both chose American-made woolens to wear to their Presidential inaugurations.