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About Olde English "Babydoll" Southdown Sheep
It is believed that the Southdowns reached America in 1803. The small Southdowns could not compete with the larger, leggier Southdowns of today. Each year brought a further decline in their population because of the notion, bigger is better in regards to sheep. At that time no one had the foresight to see that the small Southdowns had a place in the world of miniatures. In 1986 Robert Mock began a search for the miniature sheep. He'd read articles about the sheep but finding them proved to be difficult. Four years after he began his search Mr. Mock found 2 small flocks. After Mr. Mock found these flocks he began promoting them as miniature sheep. Because of his efforts, other flocks were found in various parts of the country providing a larger gene pool. In order to distinguish these small sheep from today's larger Southdowns, Mr. Mock named them Olde English "Babydoll" Southdowns. In order to insure that the bloodlines were kept pure, the Olde English "Babydoll" Registry was formed in 1991 by Mr. Mock. Only adults 2 years and older were accepted into the Registry so they could be judged against the original conformation standards and heights, then verified by a veterinarian. The Foundation Flock was then established and the Registry closed. The process of registering lambs from the original Foundation Flock began. The small Southdowns are considered to be one of the oldest of the English Breeds of sheep, originating on the South Down Hills of Sussex County, England. Their popularity in England grew until 1908 when there were approximately 367 registered flocks, totaling about 111,000 ewes. World War I brought a sharp decline in numbers and by the end of World War II the breed was almost to a point of extinction. One of the major goals of the Registry was to return the original breed to England where it had been extinct for over 50 years. This goal was accomplished in 1999.
"Babydoll" Facts Because of their short legs, "Babydolls" do well in small areas. They are ideal for suburban lot owners who want the tranquility of living "lawn mowers". Both ewes and rams are polled (have no horns) and are non-aggressive by nature. Breed standard height is 18"-24" shorn. "Babydolls" are not wanderers and do not bother fences. The ewes are good mothers, often raising twins and triplets with ease. They rarely need assistance when birthing. Because "Babydolls" are an ancient breed, they are not prone to many of the modern day sheep problems including foot rot. In general, they are care is the same for any other sheep including worming, hoof trimming, and vaccines for yearly boosters, tetanus, and overeating. They produce wool that is a hand spinners delight. Fleeces often are 19 to 22 microns putting them in the class of cashmere. The "Babydoll" fleece has more barbs per inch than any other wool types making it an ideal blend with other wools including Angora Rabbit or Angora Goat. "Babydolls" provide organic weeding. Weeding trails were sponsored and monitored by the association utilizing "Babydolls" as organic weeders. Since they will not harm the fruits, girdle trunks, or harm shrubs, they have been used with great success in orchards, berry farms, and vineyards. They leave the grounds well groomed and fertilize as they graze. "Babydolls" are ideal companions for other non aggressive livestock like miniature donkeys, horses, llamas, alpacas, goats, cattle, and other breeds of sheep. It is wise to introduce them gradually to other livestock (separate paddocks at first). Their docile disposition has a soothing effect on other livestock However, they should not be kept with intact male llamas and alpacas that may attempt to breed them. Livestock salt blocks must be placed out of their reach because the copper content is toxic to all sheep breeds. A mineral block made for sheep and goats is a good substitute and also serves the other livestock as well. These sweet little sheep make wonderful pets for the young, elderly, and handicapped and are also welcomed visitors to nursing homes, the home bound, and to those with special needs. They also are a good investment opportunity (there are only approximately 1,500 registered breeding "Babydolls" in this country).
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