OFFICIAL STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE FOR SHEEP 135 



OXFORD DOWN SHEEP. 



b<JALE OF POINTS ADOPTED BY AMERICAN OXFORD DOWN 



SHEEP BREEDERS ASSOCIATION. IN FOUR 



DIVISIONS. 



Breed type 30 



Constitution 25 



Mutton form and quality 30 



Wool 15 



SUB-DIVISION BREED TYPE OF ANIMALS. 



Form of a good general appearance, made by a well bal- 

 anced conformation, free from coarseness in any part, 

 and showing good style both at rest and in motion. . 15 



Head of moderate length and width between the ears and 

 between the eyes, and well covered with wool over 

 poll and down to the eyes. Color of face an even dark 

 gray or brown, either with or without gray spots on 

 tip of nose 6 



When fully matured and in good condition rams should 



weigh 250 to 350 pounds; ewes, 180 to 275 pounds. . 5 



Ears medium size, not too thick and of an even brown or 



dark gray color 2 



Legs short, strong in bone, flat and of even dark gray or 

 brown color, placed squarely under the body and well 

 apart 2 



CONSTITUTION. 



Large around the heart and wide and full in the chest. ... 10 



The movement must be bold and vigorous 5 



Eyes bold, prominent and bright 4 



Skin bright pink in color 3 



Neck strong and muscular in rams and well set on in both 

 sexes 3 



MUTTOX FORM AND QUALITY. 



Wide and straight on top of shoulders, back, loin and rump, 



from base of neck to tail 15 



Full shoulders and thighs, well meated both inside and out- 

 side 5 



Flanks well filled and strong so as to make the lower lines 

 of the body as straight as possible, and side lines 

 straight or rather full 4 



The whole carcass evenly covered with good, well marbled 



meat 6 



WOOL. 



Fleece of moderate length, close and of even quality, cover- 

 ing the whole carcass well, and free from black 

 patches upon the body, neck or head 15 



