American Miniature Brecknock Sheep
The American Miniature Brecknock is also referred to by its former names, which include the Small Cheviot and the Southern Hill Cheviot. This breed was
Sheep Raised for Both Meat and Wool
Each of the dual purpose sheep breeds listed below can be raised and bred for meat and/or wool production. These dual purpose breeds of sheep are valued for their ability to produce high quality, valuable fleece while also possessing the size and rapid rate of growth valued for meat production.
Many of these dual purpose breeds are an excellent choice for a beginner’s 4-H project because they offer a well-rounded learning experience and teach kids about the process of harvesting healthy wool and the balanced nutrition required for a rapid rate of growth.
In the show ring an emphasis for these breeds is placed on both the consistency of the fleece and conformation, structure, physical condition and adherence to breed standards. Judges will look for uniformity in crimp (waviness) and fiber diameter and preference is given to sheep with a lustrous healthy fleece.
Unlike fine wool breeds, the judge’s evaluation is often balanced – taking into account the sheep’s size, muscle tone, conformation and adherence to the breed characteristics defined by the sheep breeder’s organization particular to your dual purpose breed of sheep.
Popular Dual Purpose Breeds of Sheep
Click on any of the links below to learn more about each of these popular dual purpose sheep breeds.
Columbia Sheep
The Columbia sheep breed is the first of several breeds to have been developed in the United States, making it truly All-American. Columbia sheep originated
Corriedale Sheep
Out of all the breeds of sheep that are used for wool production, the Corriedale sheep breed is by far the oldest. This storied breed
East Friesian Sheep
The East Friesian sheep breed is native to Germany’s Northern area and to Friesland province in the Netherlands. In 1994, Canada introduced the East Friesian
Finnsheep
Finnsheep, also known as Finnish Landrace, are a breed which traces its roots to Finland. The breed is one of the oldest varieties of sheep
Panama Sheep
The Panama sheep breed originated in the 1990’s in Idaho and was the product of work by private breeders. The Panama breed is a cross
Polypay Sheep
The Polypay sheep breed is a breed that was created by the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in the 1970’s in Nicholas Farms in Sonoma, California,
Targhee Sheep
The Targhee sheep breed was created by the U.S Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho in 1926 – making the Targhee one of the youngest