Classification of Breeds of Sheep. 265 



THE DORSET HORN. 



This breed is one of the medium wools originat- 

 ing in Dorsetshire, England, and is used to a great 

 extent in the production of winter, or so-called 

 "hot-house" lambs which are marketed generally 

 between Christmas and Easter or even later. In 

 the writer's experience, there is no other breed 

 more profitable for early lamb production, where 

 there is a good market for them. The Dorset can 

 be bred almost any time in the year and if desired 

 often produces two crops of lambs in one year. 

 It is very prolific and is an extremely heavy, rich 

 milker. It is a rather large, round-bodied sheep 

 with strong legs and bone. Both sexes have horns, 

 those of the ram being larger and more twisted 

 than those of the ewe. 



The color of the head, face, and legs is white. 

 No black or other color should be found on it, 

 not even on the hoofs. It is fairly short in the legs, 

 and the body is of great length. The fleece is of 

 fine quality, of medium length, very white in color, 

 and has little yolk. The skin is, perhaps, of a 

 pinker color than can be found on any other breed 

 of sheep. 



