Provided by the Olde English “Babydoll” Southdown Sheep Registry:

OLDE ENGLISH "BABYDOLL" MINIATURE SOUTHDOWN SHEEP

Origin and Background

One of the oldest of the English Breeds of sheep is the Southdown, originating on the South Down hills of Sussex County, England. These small sheep were known for their extreme hardiness and produced a carcass with tenderness and flavor unmatched by any other breed. In 1780, John Ellman began to standardize the breed. These small Southdowns in England grew in popularity up until 1908 when there were approximately 367 registered flocks, totaling about 111,000 ewes. World War I brought a sharp decline in numbers and by the end of World War II; the demand for larger cuts of meat had almost forced the breed into extinction. It is believed that the Southdowns reached America in 1803 and their popularity grew and subsequently declined in nearly the same pattern that had occurred in England. The small Southdowns could not compete with consumer demand, which ultimately led to the larger, leggier Southdowns of today. Each year brought a further decline in the numbers because of the notion, "Bigger is better!" No one at the time had the foresight that the small Southdown had a place in the miniature world. In 1986, Robert Mock began a search for miniature sheep. He had seen articles about these miniature sheep, but finding them proved to be difficult. However, four years later he found two small flocks. After finding these flocks and promoting them as miniature sheep, others were found in various parts of the country which provided a larger gene pool. To distinguish these small sheep from today's larger Southdowns, Mr. Mock named them Olde English ''Babydoll'' Southdowns. In order to insure that the lines were kept pure, the Olde English ''Babydoll'' Registry was formed in 1991. Only adults two years and older were accepted so they could be judged against the original conformation standards and heights then verified by a veterinarian. The Foundation Flock was then established and the registry closed. The process of registering lamb crops from the original Foundation Flock began. The registry now celebrates many years of success with the preservation of the ''Babydolls.''

“Babydolls” as Pets

These wonderful little sheep make excellent companions for young, elderly, handicapped and are welcomed visitors to nursing homes, the homebound and to people with special needs. Their gentle nature makes them a joy!

Weeders and Companions

Weeding trials were sponsored and monitored by the association, utilizing ''Babydolls'' as organic weeders. They have been used with great success in orchards, berry farms, and vineyards as they will not harm the fruits, girdle trunks, or harm shrubs. They leave the grounds well groomed as well as fertilizing as they graze. ''Babydolls'' are ideal companions for other non-aggressive livestock. Their calm, docile dispositions have a soothing effect on other livestock. I have kept them with miniature donkeys, horses, llamas, alpaca's, goats, cattle and other sheep breeds. They should not be kept with intact male llamas or alpaca's who will attempt breeding with them. It is wise to introduce them gradually to other livestock (separate paddocks at first). Livestock salt blocks must be placed out of reach, as the copper in them is toxic to all sheep breeds. A salt and mineral block made for sheep and goats is available and serves the other livestock as well.