230 JUDGING DORSET HORN SHEEP. 



In making awards in this class of sheep, as in all other 

 classes of live stock, the general appearance and conformation 

 is the first thing which catches the eye of the judge and often 

 goes a long way in helping him to make his decision. In 

 selecting animals for Dorset flocks, it is desired by the best 

 breeders themselves to reject all those that do not approach 

 very closely to the standard of excellence as laid down by 

 the Dorset Club. There is a tendency even yet for the Dor- 

 sets to have light shoulders. A ram, especially, should possess 

 a heavy front with smooth, well developed shoulders. Again 

 there is a tendency to thin covering. This is one of the main 

 points upon which the members of the Dorset Club are laying 

 special stress. They want their breeding sheep well covered. 

 The low down, deep, round body a little longer than the 

 Shropshires must also be present. 



Constitution, form, quality, wool covering, and breed types 

 are essential. 



Horns should be present in both sexes, and both the male 

 and the female should possess those marks characteristic of 

 its sex. 



