Breed Information
Babydoll Southdown
Sheep
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Only 18" - 24" at the shoulder
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Hardy and easy keepers
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Excellent mothers
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Adorable smiles
Babydoll Southdown Sheep
I chose to begin my shepherding journey with Babydoll Southdown sheep, a versatile and compact breed that’s ideal for small homesteads and new shepherds alike.
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Babydoll Southdowns are valued for both their meat and fiber, and their small stature—standing just 18 to 24 inches at the shoulder—makes them easy to handle and manage. Despite their size, they are a hardy, low-maintenance breed, well-adapted to a range of environments.
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They are also known for being excellent mothers, often lambing without assistance. With their distinctive teddy bear faces, gentle expressions, and calm temperaments, Babydoll Southdowns combine practicality with undeniable charm, making them a joy to raise and an asset to any small farm.
Finnsheep
When I first learned about Finnsheep, I was immediately intrigued by their many desirable qualities. This smaller, multi-colored breed is known for its exceptional productivity and versatility. Finnsheep are remarkably prolific—breed standards call for first lambing by 12 months of age, five to six lambs by age two, and nine to ten lambs by age three. This strong maternal trait is so reliable that Finnsheep are often used in crossbreeding programs to increase lambing rates in other flocks.
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Compared to Babydoll Southdowns and Valais Blacknose (VBN) sheep, Finnsheep have a finer bone structure and a more athletic build. They are a little shorter than VBNs, but far more energetic—often seen jumping, climbing on their flockmates, and even nibbling at tree trunks. Finnsheep are “goat-like” in behavior, yet they tend to be more respectful of fences, making them both lively and manageable members of the flock.
Valais Blacknose Sheep (VBN)
Often called “The Cutest Sheep in the World,” the Swiss Valais Blacknose certainly lives up to its reputation—though I must admit, the Babydoll Southdown gives it some competition. VBN x Babydoll crosses have become very popular because they are so fuzzy and cute!
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The Valais Blacknose is a relatively new breed in the United States, introduced through the importation of semen and frozen embryos. Because live sheep cannot currently be imported, U.S. breeders are participating in a “breed-up” program, using foundation ewes implanted with purebred Valais semen or fertilized embryos to gradually build the population.
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With only about 10,000 Valais Blacknose sheep worldwide, this breed remains rare and highly sought after for both its striking appearance and its gentle, friendly temperament.
