Dorper Sheep Breed Information
The Dorper is a breed of sheep that originated in the south of Africa in the 1940’s - the product of cross-breeding between the Dorset Horn and Blackhead Persian sheep breeds. Dorper sheep have a distinctive appearance: black heads and white bodies. Known for their thick, well muscelled carcass and extended period of fertility (a trait inherited from their Dorset ancestors), the Dorper is an abundant sheep breed which has earned a reputation for strong mothering instinct. Dorper sheep are highly adaptable to a variety of climates (as are most hair sheep breeds) and has gained popularity due to its resiliency and hardiness. Dorpers can be found in climates ranging from hot to humid to cool and dry. Though Dorper sheep do have wool in addition to hair covering their bodies, they do not need to be sheared - a trait which is popular for many shepherds who consider wool production an expensive annual enterprise. Dorper sheep are not selective eaters and can survive on different qualities of feed. Dorper lambs have earned a reputation for maturing quickly and this rapid development makes the Dorper breed an ideal choice for spring market lambs. The sheepskin of the Dorper is the world’s most prized and the high-grade, muscular carcasses of this breed makes Dorpers a natural choice for commercial production farms.
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MATURE BODY WEIGHT
Ram 220-250 lb. Ewe 170-200 lb. 
A uniform flock of Dorper hair sheep
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