Dorper Sheep
The Dorper was developed as a meat sheep in South Africa in the mid 1900s by crossing a Dorset (horn) ram with a Blackhead Persian ewe.
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The Dorper has retained the positive characteristics of its founding breeds; the hardiness of the desert sheep and the prolific, good mothering ability of the Dorset. Both breeds contribute their ability to breed out of season. They are non-selective grazers and bred to adapt and flourish under severe conditions; which is proven by their success in the wide variety of climates in which they thrive today. They are also known for their increased natural resistance to parasites.
I have registered and commercial ewe and ram lambs available each year. I do my best to keep a variety of genetics around so that unrelated rams and ewes are available. A deposit is required to hold any animals.
My Story
I have had a variety of purebred sheep over the years: Suffolk, Dorset, Rideau, Texel, Charollais and Romanov. Dorpers will be my first pick time and time again. I was introduced to the Dorper breed over 20 years ago when good friends brought a ram from Quebec, they preached the positives of the breed to me: no shearing, easier keepers - low input with great growth, tough feet, parasite resistant. At the time, I wasn't sold on the breed then in 2018 they encouraged me to buy 10 bred ewes with them. I was just getting setup for sheep again but I thought maybe the breed did make sense for me. It was a decision I have not regretted. All the positives they outlined are accurate and then some.