The Border Cheviot sheep is a breed of domestic sheep originated from the United Kingdom. It is also known as the South Country Cheviot sheep, and the breed is native to the Cheviot Hills between Scotland and England. It is a very old breed and was recognized as early as 1372.
The Border Cheviot sheep is reported to have developed from the sheep that swam ashore from shipwrecked Spanish Ships that fled northward after the defeat on the Armada.
The breed was developed as a mountain sheep breed and they are adapted to these areas where the climate is harsh and the conditions are rugged.
Today the breed is raised mainly for meat production, but are also prized for it’s wool.
And today, the breed is raised and mainly distributed through Europe, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and North America. Read some more information about this breed below.
Border Cheviot Sheep Characteristics
The Border Cheviot sheep are small to medium sized animals. They have a distinctive white face, with a wool-free face and legs. They have pricked ears, black muzzle and black feet.
Wool of these animals has a distinctive helical crimp, which gives it that highly desirable resilience. Their fleece should be dense and firm with no kemp or colored hair.
The ewes are generally polled, but the rams can have horns. Photo and info from Sheep101 and Wikipedia.
Uses
These animals are raised mainly as a meat sheep breed for meat production. But they are also prized for their quality wool.
Special Notes
The Border Cheviot sheep are very hardy and strong animals. They are very alert and active in nature, and are well suited to their local harsh climates and rugged conditions.
They are extremely hardy animals and generally can withstand harsh winters and they graze well over hilly pastures.
Today the Border Cheviot sheep is raised mainly for meat production. But they are also prized for their quality wool production. However, review full breed profile of this breed in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Border Cheviot |
| Other Name | South Country Cheviot |
| Breed Purpose | Mainly meat, also prized for quality wool production |
| Special Notes | Very hardy and strong animals, very alert and active, well suited to the local climates and rugged conditions, can withstand harsh winters and generally graze well over hilly pastures, raised mainly for meat production, also good for quality wool production |
| Breed Size | Small to medium |
| Horns | Ewes are polled, but the rams may have horns |
| Climate Tolerance | Almost all climates |
| Color | Mainly white |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | United Kingdom |
