The Southdown was developed in Sussex, England during the late 1700s and early 1800s and exported to the U.S. shortly after. In this century it became known as the "Aberdeen Angus" of the Canadian sheep industry because of its ability to flesh out a small carcass, however, the breed dropped drastically in numbers in the 1960s because of its too small stature and difficulty with lambing.

Breeding improvements have restored size to the Southdown and while preserving its feed conversion efficiency and the breed has come back in favour. It is a medium-sized sheep that excels in producing meaty carcasses for the medium to light lamb market. The Southdown is very docile, adapts well to confinement operations and can easily be finished on pasture. Southdown rams are widely used as terminal sires to put finish on many other breeds but the ewes are usually bred pure. Because of its size and gentle nature, the Southdown make an excellent starter flock or 4-H project for children.

Body weight: Rams: 85 - 105 Kg Ewes: 60 - 80 Kg
Fleece: Dense, fine