的Shropshire sheep is a dual purpose breed of domestic sheep from United Kingdom. It was originated from the hills of Shropshire, and North Staffordshire, England.
It was developed during the 1840s. Exact origins of this breed are unknown. But the breeders in this area used the local black-faced sheep and crossed them with a fewsheep breedsof white-faced sheep, especially the Cotswold, Leicester andSouthdown sheep.
That cross produced a medium-sized sheep breed that produced good wool and meat. The Shropshire sheep was imported into the United States, in 1855. And currently the breed is raised mainly for meat production.
Shropshire绵羊在开发后获得了迅速的知名度。它于1833年首次在格洛斯特的皇家表演中，在特殊的班级上展出了短羊皮品种。
And the breed was awarded a place on the prize sheet of the Royal Agricultural Society in 1859 as a recognized and distinct breed.
的breed is a member of the Downs family of sheep and one of the few black-faced sheep on the Conservation Priority List.
的American Shropshire Registrywas founded in the year of 1884. However, read some more information about this breed below.
Table of Contents
Shropshire Sheep Characteristics
的Shropshire sheep is a medium to large sized breed with stylish carriage. It’s body is covered with fine and dense wool.
It is a robust animal as indicated by width and depth of the chest, strength and formation of neck and by bold active movement. Fleece of these animals is of good length, dense and elastic to touch.
的fleece is medium fine, free from black fiber and well crimped. Their skin is of a light cherry color, clear and free from dark spots.
什罗普郡绵羊的身体充实，长，深而对称。他们的肩膀坚固，光滑，融入身体。
的ir head is short and broad between the ears and eyes. The head is bold and masculine in rams, without horns.
的ir face is straight or slightly dished. Their neck is short, strong and muscular, especially in rams.
Ears of the Shropshire sheep are short, alert and well set. The ears are not upright, but perpendicular to head.
的ears are of moderate thickness, and the color is same as the face and legs. Their legs are short but strong and well wooled and well set apart.
的leg’s hair is usually of dark chocolate brown color (although this can be of other colors).
As a medium sized animal, average live body weight of the mature Shropshire sheep vary from 68 to 114 kg. Photo and info fromWikipedia.
Uses
萨罗普羊羊是双重目的动物。的y are raised for both meat and wool production.
Special Notes
什罗普郡绵羊是非常机敏和活跃的动物，外观非常吸引人。它们实际上是一种有用且有用的双重动物。
的y are relatively calm in temperament and it’s very easy to care for them. They are feed efficient and gain weight well.
的y are a prolific breed, and are known for easy lambing. Due to the gentle disposition of these animals, they are a very good choice for youth projects.
Wool of the Shropshire sheep is of good quality, and the wool has a fiber diameter of 24.5 to 33 microns and a staple length from 2.5 to 4 inches.
Like all the downs sheep, this medium-grade wool has a springy quality that makes it perfect for hard wearing items such as hats, mittens and socks.
However, review full breed profile of the Shropshire sheep in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Shropshire |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Meat, wool |
| Special Notes | Very hardy and alert animals, attractive appearance, dual-purpose animals, good for both meat and wool production, relatively calm in temperament, very easy to care the animals, feed efficient and grain weight well, prolific, known for easy lambing, good choice for youth projects, good quality wool |
| Breed Size | 中等到大 |
| Weight | Vary from 68 to 114 kg |
| Horns | Polled |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Color | 白色的 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | United Kingdom |
