Southdown

Southdown refers to a breed of domestic sheep originating from the South Downs, a chalk ridge in southern England. They are one of the oldest British breeds of sheep, known for their distinctive appearance. Southdowns are medium-sized sheep with a compact, woolly body. Their fleece is dense and short, typically off-white in color, and they have a characteristic dark face and legs. Historically, Southdowns were highly valued for their wool, which was fine and adaptable for various textiles.

The breed is also recognized for its meat production, yielding a lean and flavorful carcass. Southdown sheep are known for their docile temperament, making them relatively easy to manage. They are a hardy breed, well-suited to grazing on the chalk grasslands of their native region. Over time, the Southdown breed has influenced the development of many other sheep breeds, both domestically and internationally, due to its desirable genetic traits. Today, Southdowns are maintained as both a commercial breed and for conservation purposes, preserving a piece of British agricultural heritage.