Cheviot sheep are a dual-purpose breed raised for meat and wool. The breed is from the Cheviot Hills of the English Scottish border region. They had to be able to survive in all weathers, be able to forage for feed, and thus evolved a breed that is very active and has high fertility.
Cheviot sheep breed information
Cheviots are medium built, Wool free white dace and prick ears.
Both males and females are polled.
The mature ram of Cheviot weighs around 50 kg (110 lb) and ewes around 50 kg (110 lb).
The breed is very active and has high fertility.
The fleece is classified as Downs fleece which is three-dimensional crimp.
Wool is free from roughness and kemp.
The length of fiber is 4 to 6 inches.
Ram gives around 3.5 kg of wool and ewes around 2.5 kg.
The fleece is used for carper making.
Ewes are excellent mothers with high fertility and are good milkers.
Things to know
James Robson in the 18th century infused Lincolns and Ryelands to Cheviot, which resulted in bigger sheep and heavier fleece.
James Sinclair took them to Scotland, which became very famous.
The Cheviots are used to cross for prime lamb mothers and as terminal prime lamb sires, in Australia.
Their black noses act as a protection against skin cancer and black feet which are hard and will withstand wet conditions better and are reputed to resist footrot.
Cheviots are self-replacing ‘killer’ flock which can be maintained with the minimum of attention.
In 1838 the Cheviot sheep breed was introduced into the United States.
Many other Hceviot variations are present like:
- Border Cheviot
- Brecknock Hill Cheviot
- North Country Cheviot
- Western Hilly Cheviot
- Wicklow Cheviot
Brief characteristics of Cheviot sheep
| Breed Name | Cheviot sheep |
| Other Name | |
| Country/Place of Origin | English Scottish border |
| Breed Purpose | Meat and wool |
| Breed Size | medium |
| Weight Ram(Male) | 80 kg (176 lb) |
| Ewe(Female) | 50 kg (110 lb) |
| Kidding | single |
| Good for Stall Fed | open grazing and confinement |
| Climate Tolerance | local conditions |
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Fantastic, The Sheep photo, You have used for your Cheviot talk.
Is a picture of Derbyshire Gritstones.