| This breed of sheep originated
in North Yorkshire in the early 1800's. It is the direct descendant of an extinct local
longwool breed which it is thought was introduced into the Wensleydale valley in the late
1700's. The Wensleydale is a very
large longwool sheep, described by the British Meat and Livestock Commission as "probably
the heaviest of all our indigenous breeds".
It is a visually striking breed with considerable presence. It has
bold and alert carriage which is accentuated by its broad, level back on wide quarters and
strong thighs. It has a distinctive deep blue head and ears, which should be clean except
for a well developed forelock of wool, usually referred to as the "topping".
Both sexes are polled. |
