Developed in Northumberland in the second half of the 18th century, the Border Leicester derives from Dishley Leicester stock sourced from Robert Bakewell.
These were crossed with local sheep and their popularity quickly spread on both sides of the Scottish border.
Modern Border Leicesters are an all white breed with a wide level back, with shearling rams standing about 81cm at the shoulder.
Used predominantly as a crossing sire in the UK to produce halfbred ewes, the Border Leicester is a prolific breed and passes this trait on to its progeny, particularly when crossed on to hill breed ewes to produce ‘Greyface’ ewes.
The breed carries a dense white fleece of even quality, with the head and legs both being free of wool and carrying fine white hair.
Pictures provided by Society of Border Leicester Sheep Breeders
For more information visit:
UK - Society of Border Leicester Sheep Breeders
https://www.borderleicesters.co.uk/
USA - American Border Leicester Association
http://www.ablasheep.org/
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
