have head and legs that are free of wool, an arched, Roman-style nose, and long, erect ears. Rams at maturity weigh 200-225 pounds and stand about 32 inches at shoulder; ewes weigh 150-175 pounds.

Ewes are prolific, excellent, and heavy mothers. Lambs are active early and grow quickly.

This breed produces a longer loin and leaner meat than most other sheep of its size.

The wool of the Border Leicester falls in long, shining locks that are popular with hand spinners. The fleece usually measures 6-10 inches after a year's growth. Ewes average 8-12 pounds of fleece annually, and the fleece often yields 70% wool, one of the highest.

Leicesters originated in Leicestershire, England. Robert Bakewell is credited with improvement of the breed. The Border Leicester was developed by George and Matthew Culley of Fenton, Northumberland, England, in 1767. It was firmly established in England by 1850. A separate class for Border Leicesters, distinct from other Leicesters, was first held at the Highland Show in Scotland in 1869. The Society of Border Leicester Sheep Breeders was organized in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1898. It is not known when the breed was introduced into the United States.

American Border Leicester Association. www.ablasheep.org

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This page was last updated on 03/21/2011.