Border Leicester Sheep

Border Leicester Sheep

The Border Leicester sheep breed is one of three distinctive breeds of Leicester in the UK. Matthew and George Culley founded this breed of sheep in Northumberland in England in 1767. It is assumed that the brothers, who were friends of Robert Bakewell, might have created the breed by crossbreeding Teeswater ewes and Leicester rams, while others are skeptical as to whether or not the blood of Cheviot sheep was involved.

Why Raise Border Leicesters?

A Border Leicester

Border Leicesters gained popularity in England in the 1860’s and are now one of the predominant sheep breeds throughout England and many other countries.

Border Leicester ewes are known for their milk production and are typically good mothers, caring for Border Leicester lambs independent of human intervention.

Rams from this breed are commonly used to sire crossbred brood ewes.

Their wool is glossy and thick. As a result, farmers often value Border Leicester sheep first and foremost for their wool production.

Border Leicester sheep tend to be average to large in size and have white, bare faces and legs, with a pronounced roman nose.

Border Leicester Sheep Breed Info.

Border Leicester Sheep in a Field
MATURE BODY WEIGHTRam: 225-300 lbs.
Ewe: 150-225 lbs.
AVERAGE FIBER DIAMETERMicron: 30-38
USDA Wool Grade: 40’s-50’s
GREASE FLEECE WEIGHTEwe: 8-12 lbs.
YIELD60-70%
STAPLE LENGTH5-10″

To learn more about this breed or to find a breeder near you, visit the American Border Leicester Association website.