SEX TYPE OR SEX CHARACTER 75 



over various parts. When a sheep is judged as a representative of a 

 breed it should not be favorably considered if it is very poor in 

 either general type or breed type. In a breed belonging to the mut- 

 ton type, such as the Shropshire, an individual having a bare, nar- 

 row, sagging back should not be rated high no matter how nearly 

 perfect it may be in those features characteristic of the Shropshire 

 breed. On the other hand, should it be perfect in mutton type, but 

 markedly deficient in features pertaining solely to the Shropshire 

 breed, it should not receive favorable consideration as a Shropshire 

 sheep. And a fault in breed type may be such as to disqualify an 

 animal as a breed representative. No enlightened judge would per- 

 .mit a sheep with a pure white face to take a place in a ring for 

 Shropshires because the typical face color for this breed is deep, 

 soft brown. 



The general type and the breed type are inseparable and a 

 problem constantly arising in judging is to know just how far per- 

 fections in the one recompense faults in the other. It is easy for 

 the student fresh in the study of judging sheep to ask such a 

 question as how much should the shape of head be sacrificed for 

 filling at the twist, but only a few, if any, of long experience would 

 attempt to give him a definite answer. 



Constitution is weighted most when considered in connection 

 with breeds, and is, therefore, closely associated with breed type. 

 To properly estimate constitution the whole make-up of the sheep 

 must be considered. Were a low-headed, wobbly-gaited, flabby sheep 

 perfect in spring of rib and extension of brisket, it would not be 

 rated high by a competent judge because he would know that such 

 a specimen is lacking in stamina. Compactness of build, strong, 

 well-placed legs, large, firm muscles, wide loins, and a properly 

 molded head are quite as important in determining constitution as 

 a deep, wide chest. 



Objectionable Points. In considering breed type it is very 

 necessary to know what supporters of the breed are trying to get 

 rid of. Dark skins are discriminated against more in some breeds 

 than in others; kemp (structureless fibers) is very objectionable in 

 the fleeces of the fine wool breeds, and vestiges of horns are not tol- 

 erated in certain breeds. 



Sex Type or Sex Character. Whenever a sheep is judged as a 

 breeding animal, the development of certain of its features, aside 

 from sex organs, should clearly indicate the sex to which it belongs. 



