November 07, 2020
South Country Cheviot sheep developed, as the name suggests, in the Cheviot hills on the England-Scotland border and have long been recognised as a hardy sheep able to thrive in the harsh conditions of their homeland.
The breed is noted for being a strong maternal breed which is ideal for lower input systems while also able to succeed in a wide variety of environments and systems.
Cheviot ewes have fine, hard white hair on their face and legs, with fine, flat bone to their legs carrying a strong body. Rams are horned and both sexes should be active and alert.
The breed’s fleece is dense and firm with no kemp or colour within it. Historically an important part of the Cheviot breed’s attributes, wool has latterly become less financially important, but it is still of high importance in the breed’s ability to thrive in the hill country which is predominantly its home.
Largely a maternal breed, Cheviot ewes are often crossed to both terminal sires and longwool breeds to produce either prime lambs or crossbred breeding females.