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Shropshire
Watchlist; Category 5, Minority.
The Shropshire emerged in the mid-19th century, having been developed from several breeds popular in the West Midlands and Welsh border counties, including the Longmynd (small, black-faced and horned and Morfe Common (horned, speckle-faced and fine-woolled), with later introductions of the Southdown and possibly the Leicester. The Breed Society was founded in 1882, the first flock book published a year later, and the breed reached the height of its popularity in the early part of the 20th century in response to the demand for exports to North America.
It is a typical Down breed, acquiring its name from the county where it first became popular, but is hardier and more prolific than some other Down breeds. It is used mainly to sire finished lamb.
The Shropshire is medium-large with typical mature rams and ewes weighing 120kg and 75kg respectively. They are polled, with a black face, wool-covered forehead and legs. The body is deep, muscular and well-fleshed producing good quality carcasses. The Shropshire fleece is white, fine in texture and dense, averaging 3-4kg in weight.
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