Southdown

The Southdown takes its name from the Chalk Hills of Sussex County in extreme southeastern England where they are said to have roamed from time immemorial. They are one of the oldest sheep breeds, having contributed to the foundation stock of all other down breeds: Suffolk, Hampshire, and Oxford.

Historians are not agreed as to when the first Southdowns were imported to America, but it is known that they were introduced very early in the history of the country. Governor Winthrop, early Connecticut governor is said to have acquired a flock of Southdown ewes in 1648. Southdowns adapt well to intensive management, pass their superb conformation onto their offspring, and can thrive and maintain flesh where many other breeds would virtually starve.

Breed categories: medium wool, meat / Distribution: Worldwide