Charmoise Hill

The Charmoise sheep originated in the hills of France and has been used in the production of continental terminal breeds such as the Charollais and the Rouge. The Charmoise is a genuine hill breed, the first to be imported to Britain from the Continent. The breed was formed in France in the late 18th century by the introduction of Kent rams from England, which were crossed on the indiginous hill and mountain breeds to give them a better shape.

The exceptional confirmation of the breed is the principal reason for the success of the Charmoise ram in commercial crossbreeding schemes for the production of quality primestock lamb. It is found in the rougher hill areas of France today where it is bred pure to produce a high quality small lamb. In France it is the only top confirmation breed to be classified as "race rustique" (hardy breed).

Breed categories: medium wool, meat, hill / Distribution: United Kingdom, Europe