Background History

Of the

Olde English “Babydoll” Southdown’s

Southdown’s with the original blood lines have been around for centuries, and their lineage is indisputably ancient, reaching back to a time "older than the peerage". In 1780 John Ellman, realized the potential of these animals and set out to standardize the Southdown breed. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries they were to be found in quantity especially in and around the area of the South Downs near Lewes in Sussex, and it was from here they gained their name.  It has been estimated that there were some 110,000 sheep in Sussex in 1341 and their wool was second only to the Hereford sheep in fineness and quality. In 1813, nearly five centuries later, the Reverend Arthur Young estimated that there were 200,000 ewes kept on the eastern South Downs and commented that "the amazing number they keep is one of the most singular circumstances in the husbandry of England".

The principal reason for the large concentrations of Southdown sheep on downland farms over these centuries was their crucial role in the maintenance of soil fertility. The large flocks grazed the open downs by day and at dusk came down to the lower arable land for folding. The downland soils tend to be chalky and not naturally fertile so that the close-folding by the sheep on small areas manured and trod the soil. This meant that bread wheat could be grown successfully the following year. With the gradual introduction of new crops such as field turnips, swedes, kohl Rabi and other forage crops the folding system took off as never before, increasing in parallel with expanding human population. The system reached its zenith in the 'Golden Years' lasting from about 1845 to 1870 or 80.

During the Great Depression:

A severe and prolonged fall in the prices of wool and cereals due to rising volumes of imports from the New Countries was accompanied by the Wet Years - a six year period of cold wet weather with little sun. In 1883 the weather relented but the Depression continued. New men and new methods in farming were just beginning to move onto the scene but so sound was the classic downland farming system that even by Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897 the sheep-and-corn system was still intact. The New Century brought with it the establishment of pedigree recording. By 1911 there were 359 registered Southdown flocks containing some 114,495 breeding ewes throughout Britain.

About this time it was noticed that dairy cows were rising in numbers. Fresh milk could not then be imported and dairying became increasingly important in farming's economic survival. But much remained the same until the Great War of 1914-1918 when the large number of folding Southdown flocks declined with some rapidity, as shepherds and farm workers went off to war. By 1922 the short-lived War-time farming boom had evaporated and the 359 pedigree flocks had shrunk to 245. The number of dairy herds continued to grow apace but from 1922 to 1939 the registered Southdown flocks hovered around the 200 mark. Folding flocks were no longer economic and smaller flocks averaged only 135 ewes apiece.

The use of artificial fertilizers had gained ground and the combine-drill, which sowed grain seeds and fertilizer together, rendered close-folding by sheep unnecessary. Gradually surrendering to basic arable farming changes, the Southdown became largely a grassland breed. During the inter-war years the United Kingdom became known as the stud-farm of the world in all the farm species and pedigree Southdown’s were still being exported to most parts of the world, with New Zealand taking the lion's share. In 1937 the number of exported Southdown’s reached 459 head.

In 1939 World War II again intervened and the Southdown breed was once more hit badly. The South Down hills were commandeered for military training, only fringe farms being left producing milk for the towns, the others misused as target practice and their very nature changed by the demolition of all the traditional farm buildings.

It is believed that the original Southdown breed reached the United States in 1803. Their popularity grew because the Southdown’s were very easy to take care of and were resilient to many problems that other sheep are known for. They later declined in nearly the same pattern that had occurred in England. One other factor that affected the original blood lines was the Southdown could not satisfy the consumer demand for larger meat cuts. This was a significant factor in the development and mass production of the larger, leggier Southdown of today. This divergence from the original breed standards was the beginning of what would later become two distinct lines in the US.

 The Olde English Southdown’s some breeders in the US call “miniature, or Babydoll” Southdown’s, and the other more mainstream breed the American Southdown’s.  The American Southdown’s were developed by breeding larger breeds of Southdown’s from other country’s to create a sheep that could compete with the other larger meat breeds in the US.  However, many of the original attributes from the original Southdown’s that came from England were bred out, and nearly lost. Each year brought a further decline in the number of these the sheep that had the original look and Southdown bloodlines.

The original breed of Southdown’s became a rear breed, and was placed on the endangered watch list by the “Rare Breeds Survival Trust” in the UK.

In 1986 here in the United States, Mr. Robert Mock had an interest in the original breed of Southdown’s, and began a search for the sheep with blood lines that conformed to the original Southdown’s of the 1700's. However, finding them proved to be very difficult. At one point they were believed to be extinct. After a four-year search, two small flocks totaling 26 sheep were located; however, this group would not be able to provide a sustainable gene pool. Mr. Mock continued his extensive search and was able to find a total of 350 of the Southdown sheep that had the original bloodlines, and many of them still carried their original Southdown registration papers from the UK.

To distinguish these small sheep from the larger modern-era Southdown, Mr. Mock named them “Olde English “Babydoll” Southdown’s". To keep this line pure, a registration was formed. Only adults two years and older were accepted so that they could be judged against the original conformation standards as verified by a veterinarian. Each sheep's registration application was passed before a board of three members of the Breed Association. After this initial review and acceptance period, the "Foundation Flock" registry was closed in 1991. Subsequently, the process of registering lambs from this newly established foundation flock began.

The registry now celebrates many years of success with the preservation of the “Babydolls”. It gives my wife and me great pleasure being part of the preservation of this wonderful little sheep. But most of all, they are a wonderful animal to own…

Uses of the Babydoll Southdowns:

Olde English Babydoll Southdowns are outstanding pets who produce wool that is a hand spinner’s delight. They provide organic weeding and make excellent companion animals. They are a wonderful investment opportunity.

Wonderful Pets:

These little Babydoll sheep make excellent companions for the young, elderly and disabled. Their gentle nature makes them a joy to own.

Wool:

Ten samples of fleece were tested and found to be 19 to 22 microns, which puts the fleece in the class of Cashmere. The Babydolls fleece also has more barbs per inch then any other wool types, making it an ideal blend with either Angora Rabbit or Angora Goat.

Gardeners:

Weeding trails were sponsored and monitored by the association, utilizing “Babydolls” as organic weeders. They have been used with great success in wine vineyards, fruit and berry orchards as they will not harm the fruits, girdle trunks of trees, or harm shrubs. They leave the grounds well groomed as well as fertilizing as they graze. I would like to add I have the cleanest fences in town. My Babydoll Southdown work together with my goats and remove anything that may grow on my fences.

Companions:

 Babydolls Southdowns are wonderful companion animals for other non-aggressive livestock. Their calm, docile disposition has a soothing effect on other livestock. I keep my Babydolls with my horses and goats. They should not be kept with intact male llama’s or alpaca’s who may attempt breeding with them. It is wise to introduce them gradually to other livestock. It is best to put them in separate paddocks at first when they get to their new home. This give their new friends an opportunity to say hi without it being overwhelming to the Babydoll sheep.

Care:

Babydolls require the same care as other sheep breeds such as hoof trimming, worming, vaccinations, shearing once a year. The handling facilities and feed are not as costly as with larger breeds.  Shelter can be minimal, except at lambing time.  Good fences are essential, more for their protection.  Babydolls do not challenge fences and do not wonder far.  Portable electric mesh fences are great if you do not already have permanent fencing.

Feed, salt and mineral blocks are important for good health but you must make sure you do not give any sheep copper. Any feed, salt or mineral block that has copper in it must be keep out of reach of any sheep.

Why Everyone Loves Their Babydoll Southdowns:

 It’s because of their beautiful woolly teddy bear face that will always give you a smile. Their short legs and their ability to do very well in small areas. They are ideal for suburban lot owner who want the tranquility of sheep as living lawn ornaments. Both ewes and rams are poled (have no horns) and are non aggressive by nature. They are not wonderers and do not bother fences. The ewes are very good mothers, often raising twins and triplets with ease. Rarely do they need assistance when lambing.

Because Babydoll Southdowns are a ancient breed, they are not prone to many of the modern sheep problems. They are quite resistant to foot rot. In general, they are cared for like any other sheep which includes worming, hoof trimming (which is very easy) and vaccines for CD&T and rabies is also recommended.

Returned To Their Homeland:

One of the major goals of the original Babydoll Southdown registry (Olde English Babydoll Southdown Sheep Registry) was to return the original breed to England where the little sheep has been extinct for over 50 years. This goal was accomplished in 1999. But unfortunately, their numbers are so few, they remain on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust List (RBST) http://www.rbst.org.uk/

One Important Note:

Because of their strong flocking instinct they do not do well as singles.  They thrive on companionship and must be with their own kind or another breed of sheep or goat. Due to this fact, lambs will only be sold in pairs, if the buyer does not already have companions for their lamb.

But most of all, the Babydoll Southdowns are a wonderful animal to own…

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Last Updated: April 17, 2008

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