Meat Sheep Breeds

While each of the meat sheep breeds listed below produces some wool, these types of sheep are primarily valued and raised for their meat production.

These individual types of meat sheep are selected and bred for their ability to gain weight rapidly. Each lamb produces a lean, muscular high-yield carcass which is desirable for chefs eager to prepare lamb dishes.

Best Sheep for Meat

Many of these breeds are an excellent choice for a 4-H project. They trim up beautifully for the show ring, and if you have a small flock these breeds offer you flexibility. Some of the lambs can serve as breeding and show stock. Others make terrific market or club lamb projects.

In the show ring judges emphasize size, muscle tone, and conformation. Adherence to the breed characteristic defined by that particular meat sheep breeder’s organization is also important.

Information about Popular Breeds of Meat Sheep

Click on any of the links below to learn information, a short history and fun facts about these popular meat sheep breeds:

Blue Texel Sheep

Blue Texel Sheep

The Blue Texel sheep breed was first recognized and recorded as a distinct breed during the early 1970s in the Netherlands. Natural colored “blue” Texel

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Cheviot Sheep

Cheviot Sheep

The Cheviot sheep breed is an alert, active breed that features a white face and compact body. This breed is most popular in England, Scotland, and Wales.

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Dorset Sheep

Dorset Sheep

Dorset sheep are famous for their lambing abilities since they are a breed which can lamb up to two times each year. It is also

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Hampshire Sheep

Hampshire Sheep

The Hampshire sheep breed is primarily raised for meat production, though the breed has also emerged as a popular choice for youngsters in 4-H and

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Montadale Sheep

Montadale Sheep

The Montadale sheep breed is one of the youngest breeds of sheep in existence, originating in the United States as a cross between the large

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Oxford Sheep

Oxford Sheep

The Oxford sheep breed was developed in Oxford County in England. A mix between Hampshires and Cotwolds, it has also been suggested that in the

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Shropshire Sheep

Shropshire Sheep

The Shropshire sheep breed originated in England. Farmers developed the breed by crossbreeding Leicester, Southdown, Cotswold and native sheep. In 1855 the Shropshire sheep breed

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Southdown Sheep

Southdown Sheep

The Southdown sheep breed is one of the most popular and oldest breeds of sheep. The breed was originally developed in England and were brought

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Suffolk Sheep

Suffolk Sheep

Suffolk sheep can be found around the world and are a popular choice in countries which value commercial sheep production. The Suffolk sheep breed is

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Texel Sheep

Texel Sheep

The Texel sheep breed originated in the Netherlands more than 150 years ago on the Isle of Texel. The breed was introduced to sheep producers

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Tunis Sheep

Tunis Sheep

The Tunis sheep breed originated in the country of Tunisia in Northern Africa. This unique-looking breed was first introduced to the United States in 1799

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