Our South Country Cheviots

Here at Cragg House Farm, we are proud champions for pedigree native breeds of livestock. Native breeds have characteristics that are better suited to our challenging climate and make a positive contribution to the ecosystem they have evolved to thrive in.

For centuries the Border hills have been grazed by stock making them the beautiful     scenic landscape which the natives and thousands of visitors admire. The Cheviot Sheep Society promotes this breed as able to live off the hill all year round while being able to product quality lambs for the food chain.

Defining Features:

The South Country Cheviot is known for its alert appearance, distinctive white face and legs, and dense white fleece. 

The fleece forms a ‘ruff’ behind the ears and males are sometimes horned.

Their neck should be muscular, full fleshed, and strong with a back level and broad - not too long.

Small, well-shaped ears stand erect and must not droop.

They should step freely out, with grace in each movement, smooth in their gait.

History:

The breed originated in the Cheviot Hills and was mentioned in local writings as far back as 1372. 

There has been much breed development over the years, including for fleece quality when many Merino sheep were imported into the port of Berwick in 1480-1560. 

The Cheviot Sheep Society was established in 1890.

The breed has stayed local to its origins in the Cheviot Hill, with flocks found in Northern England and the Scottish Borders. It has also been growing in popularity in South Wales.

Uses:

A very hardy, maternal hill breed with females with good mothering ability producing fast-maturing lambs in environments that other sheep would find challenging.