CHAPTER XV 

 MUTTON TYPE 



Although the breeds of sheep classed as mutton breeds may be 

 grouped into two distinct classes — long-wooled and middle-wooled — 

 and although the breeds within each class differ considerably in color 

 markings, fleece, and appearance, nevertheless all of them belong to 

 the mutton type. The following description applies particularly to 

 sheep or lambs fattened for the market. 



The general appearance of the mutton-type sheep is almost 

 identical with the beef type of cattle. The mutton sheep should be 

 markedly short legged, broad, deep, and symmetrical. The top line 

 and underline should be straight and parallel, and the top should be 

 broad and level from end to end. The side lines should be straight, 

 and the middle wide and deep, yet neat and trim. Leggy and rangy 

 conformations are as objectionable in mutton sheep as in beef cattle. 

 There should be pronounced blockiness of conformation, combined with 

 neatness, fullness, and great smoothness of outline. 



The head should be short and broad, the mouth of ample width, 

 the nostrils large, the face short, the eyes prominent and clear, the fore- 

 head broad, and the ears rather fine, short, neatly attached, and well 

 carried. The mutton type does not have horns as a rule, the Dorset 

 breed being the only exception. The head should have a clean-cut 

 appearance, indicative of quality and good breeding. 



The neck should be short and plump, arched, trim at the throat, 

 and should join the shoulders full and smooth. 



The shoulders should be compact, smooth, and nicely covered 

 over with flesh, making the forequarters very even and smooth. The 

 tops of the shoulders should come fairly well together and be rounded 

 over with flesh. 



The breast ought to be prominent, broad, and filled out plump 

 with flesh. A wide breast is an evidence of strong constitution, and 

 plumpness of this part is one of the indications of proper finish and 

 fatness in the market sheep. 



The chest should be very wide and deep, and have a full heart- 

 girth. There should be considerable distance between the front legs, 

 and also between the shoulders, and no depression of the side should 

 exist just back of the shoulder. The front flanks should carry down 

 deep and be well filled out. 



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