Contrary to what people might think, Babydoll Southdown are not a miniaturized form of sheep. These tiny ovines are the true size of the original Southdowns that were bred by English farmers in the South Downs of Sussex County, England - where they were prized for their flavorful meat and fine fleece. The wonderful little Southdown sheep were imported to the United States in the early 1800s. Upon the invention of refrigeration, people starting crossing them with larger breeds in order to produce more meat for human consumption. These larger sheep were named the American Southdown.
The original, smaller Southdowns were "reborn" in America around 1990 and given the name "Olde English Babydoll Miniature Sheep" in order to set them apart from their larger relatives. Nowadays they are referred to as Babydoll Southdowns, Olde English Babydoll Southdowns, or simply Babydoll sheep.
Today's farmers continue to breed them for their fine wool. However, they are also kept as pets, natural lawn mowers, and weeders/fertilizers in vineyards. Here at Kellane Farm, we've found them to be delightful little sheep that are very easy keepers. They are definitely a good breed to start with if you are a beginner shepherd/shepherdess!
Michelle Napier Lane
W11335 Spaulding Road
Black River Falls, Wisconsin 54615
(715) 284-1595 home
(715) 896-1848 cell
kellanefarm@yahoo.com
This page was last updated: September 8, 2011
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