Babydoll Sheep
Meet our beloved Olde English Southdown babydoll sheep – the perfect addition to any homestead or hobby farm! We chose to add these charming creatures to our farm because they combine gentle, adorable personalities with low-maintenance care and surprising productivity. Whether you’re interested in their luxurious wool for crafting wonderful things, inspired to capture their sweet faces in watercolors, or simply want delightful grazing companions, you’ve come to the right place
What are Babydoll sheep, Olde English Babydoll Southdown, Babydoll Southdown, etc.
The Olde English Babydoll Southdown Sheep is one of the oldest English breeds, prized for its compact size and friendly, docile temperament. Standing just 24″ (2 ft) at the withers, these Miniature Sheep are the BEST sheep for small farms due to their small size and short legs, making them perfect for smaller acreages. Their woolly “teddy bear” face and perma-smile give them undeniable charm. Unlike other sheep, they are polled (no horns) and non-aggressive, making them ideal for families. Ewes are excellent mothers, often raising twins or even triplets with ease.
As ruminants with four-chambered stomachs, they are efficient cud-chewing animals. Breeding season runs from August to December, with a gestation of five months, typically resulting in baby lambs born in spring. Lambs are weaned between eight to twelve weeks, and at places like Tanglewood, mama sheep sometimes need help, so milk bottles supplement feeding. Originally developed in Australia from woolly-headed Southdowns, this breed has stayed true to its short, woolly sheep roots while others shifted toward longer, leaner builds. Their good meat qualities and easy handling make them valuable in vineyards, orchards, and small farms.
The Story of Babydoll Sheep
The Babydoll Southdown has one of the most fascinating histories among sheep breeds. Originating in the late 1700s from the South Down hills of Sussex County, England, these sheep were prized for their extreme hardiness and good flavored meat. John Ellman helped standardize them in 1780, but by the 1900s, their small size made them less economical as farming became more industrial. They were nearly lost to history—twice. First, after World War II, when demand shifted to larger cuts of meat, and again in the late 1980s, when only 350 sheep remained. Thanks to Robert Mock, who spent four years tracking down the last purebred flocks, the breed was saved from extinction and rebranded as Olde English Babydoll Southdowns to avoid confusion with their larger relatives.
What makes these sheep special? Their compact, woolly-headed build, dual-purpose nature (great for both meat and wool), and that unforgettable Babydoll smile. Standing just 45cm to 61cm tall, they’re perfect for small farms, vineyards, and orchards. Their easy-going temperament and good mothering instincts make them a favorite among shepherds. I’ve raised Babydolls myself, and their vigorous lambs—often twins or triplets—thrive with minimal intervention. The breed’s strict registry, established in 1991, ensures only the best traits are preserved: short stature, well-muscled body, dark hooves, and that signature smiling look from their wide lower jaw.
Today, Babydolls are enjoying a resurgence, even returning to their homeland, England, in January 1999. Whether you’re drawn to their history, their attractive appearance, or their practicality on small acreage, these sheep are a living piece of agricultural heritage.
Size & Appearance
Standing just 18-24 inches tall at the shoulder when fully mature (about age two), these Babydolls are perfectly sized for hobby farms where space is limited. As someone who stands 5’2″, I can attest their grazing height barely reaches knee-height – a real back-saver during shearing season or when trimming hooves. While the registry breed standards cap height at 24 inches, our flock averages a daintier 18 inches tall, with ewes weighing 50 to 60 pounds compared to other breeders’ 24-inch sheep that reach 120 to 140 pounds. Even the rams in larger flocks top out around 240 pounds, making standard sheep breeds at 200-250 pounds seem gigantic by comparison.
What makes them truly special is their luxurious wool – short, stapled, and incredibly fine at 19-20 microns (similar to cashmere). With more barbs per inch than other wool types, it blends beautifully with mohair, angora, or alpaca to create stronger yarn without sacrificing softness. Their attractive teddy bear faces (always white or occasionally blacks) and horn-free heads (for both males and females) add to their appeal. Through our breeding program, we focus on preserving these tiny bloodlines while maintaining excellent temperament, conformation, and the finest fiber quality per Olde English Babydoll Registry standards.
Eating Habits
From my years of raising babydolls, I’ve learned they’re great at keeping weeds at bay while clearing large areas of vegetation. Many owners have reported their sheep selectively eat weeds but spare landscaping shrubs and fruit trees – though in my experience, mine hesitate little before munching on rose bushes and young trees! That’s why I always invest in sturdy fencing to define their parameters. These little grazers have a gentle, positive impact on the landscape when managed properly. I wait until late morning (typically after 11 AM) to let them graze, ensuring all dew and rain has evaporated from the grass and foliage – a trick that prevents digestive issues.
Their diet combines grazing with carefully measured hay – about ½ flake per day per babydoll. Don’t be fooled by their dramatic displays of starvation when they claim to be hungry right after feeding; that’s just their verbal way of trying to fool you! In addition to orchard grass (spring through autumn) and timothy hay (winter),
I keep a large tub of fresh water available at all times, along with 24-hour access to a bowl of baking soda and sheep minerals (either loose or as a mineral block). This combination keeps them healthy year-round on our farm.
A Rainbow of Wool Colors
One of my favorite things about babydoll sheep is their charming variety of colors. While most are either solid white or black, each has its own special touches. My lamb Pepper perfectly shows how white ones can range from snowy white to having a warm tan face that melts hearts. The black sheep often surprise new owners – their fleece gradually turns browner after long hours in the sun, as the UV rays naturally lightens their coloring over time.
Some babydolls break the mold completely with spotted or freckled coats. Though considered blemished and unacceptable for showing by strict breed standards, I’ve always found these uniquely marked lambs particularly adorable. There’s something special about their patchy coloring that makes each one distinct. Whether you prefer the classic lighter shades or the more unusual patterns, each color variation adds to the breed’s undeniable charm.
Temperament and Hardiness
What makes babydoll sheep truly special is their wonderful combination of gentle temperaments and extreme hardiness – a rare pairing in livestock. As someone who’s raised this breed for years, I can confirm they’re known for being remarkably easy-going and sweet, yet surprisingly hardy enough to thrive with low-maintenance care. Whether you’re running a small hobby farm or a larger operation, their calm temperament makes them enjoyable to work with while their robust nature means they adapt well to various conditions.
Temperament
Don’t expect instant cuddly moments when you first bring home your Babydolls – that magical hug with lambs running to greet you takes time! In my experience, it took weeks of spending days working outside near them, staying still to spark their curiosity, before they’d come closer. Now my flock meets me every morning for chin scratches, showing how these sheep gradually warm up to become like family. While not traditional pets, their sweet personalities shine through with patience.
These gentle creatures are naturally cautious as prey animals, but never aggressive. You might see them ram each other gently over food or favorite napping spots, or stomp a hoof to alert the group of danger (our watchful ewe Peggy does this when the neighboring dog comes nearby). With children, they’re remarkably perfect – my kids love hand-feeding them grain and rubbing their chins, though we teach them to avoid sudden movements that might scare the sheep. The most “wild” behavior you’ll see is when excited by treats like alfalfa, when they’ll buck or jump that adorable inch off the ground, looking so proud of themselves!
Hardiness
Babydoll Sheep are remarkably hardy animals that typically live 12-16 years, thanks to being not prone to disease and rarely easily injured – though injuries can occur from attacks, as we learned when our lamb Peggy was attacked by a neighboring dog that mistook her fuzzy ear for a chew toy; she recovered quickly and remains perfectly healthy today. These sheep excel at hiding illness, so regular attention and thorough inspections are crucial, but with proper care they have an incredible ability to bounce back from health challenges.
What are Babydoll Sheep good for?
The Perfect Pet Sheep
Natural Lawn Care
Helpful Pruners
Natural fertilizer production
Soft fleece for crafting
Harvesting for Meat
The Perfect Pet Sheep
After working with Babydolls for years, I can confidently say these sheep make exceptional companions – especially for young handlers, the elderly, or disabled individuals. Their diminutive size (standing just 18-24 inches tall) and gentle nature make them far more manageable than miniature goats (notorious escape artists) or sometimes aggressive alpaca. While all three have merits, I consistently advise newcomers that Babydolls offer the perfect balance – playful enough for joy but calmer and less destructive than other small livestock options.
What truly sets them apart is how they warm to their owner once acclimated to their environment. Unlike animals that remain aloof, these social creatures become great company as you work your hobby farm, following you around the pasture with quiet curiosity. Many of our lambs, born and raised on-site, have been sold as beloved barnyard pets or rehomed to retirees seeking peaceful companions. Their adaptability shines in 4-H projects too – that perfect choice for teaching responsibility without overwhelming children. Whether you’re looking for a productive farm addition or simply affectionate pets, these charismatic Babydolls rarely disappoint.
Natural Lawn Care
Beyond being beautiful to watch, these excellent foragers naturally keep your grass down while thoughtfully leaving enough growth in your pastures for small square bales when you need to bale – we’ve found our flock maintains the perfect balance, grazing our sheep pasture sufficiently while still allowing us to harvest hay that our entire herd can enjoy all winter long.
Helpful Pruners
These adorable teddy bears of the sheep world seem made specifically for orchard and vineyard work, expertly handling pruning and mowing duties without disturbing or being able to reach the valuable fruit above – their short stature becomes an advantage in these environments.
Natural fertilizer production
Unlike dog waste that leaves ugly brown patches in your grass, these sheep naturally fertilize as they graze – their nitrogen-rich pellets gently drop and get stomped into the soil, where the feces rest close to the ground without creating nasty patties you need to watch your step around. This creates a beneficial cycle, delivering essential nutrients back to the earth without any of the mess or worry associated with other animals.
Soft fleece for crafting
Each spring when we shear our flock, we’re reminded why their fleece is so special – with fibers that run in the ultra-soft 19-24 micron range (comparable to cashmere), this wool can be comfortably worn close to skin without irritation. While the highly barbed fibers make exceptional yarn on their own, many handspinners love blending it with other luxury fibers like angora rabbit or angora goat wool to create truly remarkable textiles.
Harvesting for Meat
While these sheep were originally bred and raised for meat on traditional family farms – prized for their particularly tender quality that still sells well at market – most modern shepherds I know simply can’t bring themselves to continue this practice. After working with these gentle creatures for years, the majority of breeders now refuse to sell their lambs for slaughter, choosing instead to focus on wool production and their value as grazing companions. Though some still raise them for dual purposes, there’s been a noticeable cultural shift in how we view these living lawnmowers with personalities.
Companions
Babydoll Southdowns are truly wonderful companion animals, bringing their calm, docile disposition to any farm. Their soothing effect makes them ideal for non-aggressive livestock, getting along beautifully with most species when properly introduced. We’ve found it wise to gradually introduce new arrivals in separate paddocks, giving everyone the opportunity to adjust without feeling overwhelmed. These sheep have a strong flocking instinct and thrive on companionship – they should always have at least one sheep friend, even when kept with other kind of animals. Just avoid pairing them with intact male llamas or alpacas, as these may attempt unwanted breeding behavior
What makes Babydolls particularly special is how they become excellent companions for children too. On our farm, we’ve raised several from lambs, each developing distinct, lovable personalities while maintaining gentle temperaments. There’s Zeus and Thor, who demand ear scratches and follow us everywhere, while Hercules (though more timid) will loudly voice his opinion at dinner time if we forget his favorite fruit. Then there’s Maximus, our brown leader – the fastest eater in the group and consequently the most rotund in our flock! Their calm dispositions make them perfect for young helpers learning animal care, proving you don’t have to choose between important farm workers and lovable family members.
Vineyards and Orchards
More farmers are turning to Babydolls as part of their sustainable and regenerative practices, with our flock proving particularly effective in blueberry fields, vineyards, and apple orchards where they graze year-round (except during July blueberries harvesting). What makes them ideal workers is how they delicately navigate between fruit trees and berry bushes without harming developing fruits, girdling trunks, or damaging shrubs – their small size and gentle nature prevent the destruction larger animals might cause.
The real magic happens as they clean up windfall fruit while keeping the grass down, with the added bonus of naturally fertilizing the soil as they move through the orchard. Unlike mechanical mowers, these living lawnmowers work quietly, distributing nutrients exactly where they’re needed while eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers. Whether in commercial vineyards or small farm operations, they’ve revolutionized how we think about integrated land management.
Shearing Babydoll Sheep Fleece & Loving Their Wool
Babydoll Southdown wool stands among the finest wools of all British breeds, prized for its unique combination of being dense yet incredibly soft – offering warmth without any scratchy feel. The fleece’s exceptional quality comes from its short (2-3 inches), springy fibers that contain more barbs per inch than any other wool type, making it perfect for spinning and blending with other fibres like angora. With a micron range comparable to cashmere (typically 19-29), this bouncy wool feels comfortably soft against the skin when spun into yarn, offering excellent cushion and elasticity for projects like socks, mittens, hats, blankets, and sweaters.
Managing their fleece requires some know-how – the hard wax buildup in spring can make April shearing nearly impossible, so we recommend early spring or fall sessions (or June when the woolhair has released). Don’t worry if processing, dying and spinning seem daunting at first; there’s a learning curve, but with patience you’ll master it, or find helpful shearers who travel offering service through word of mouth. Contrary to concerns, proper shearing doesn’t hurt the sheep – done right, it’s like a spa day for them! The wool’s strong disposition and durability shine in both needle-felting and woven goods, though its low wet felt quality makes it particularly versatile. Just beware – leaving them unshorn risks cotted fleeces, though occasional trim around the eyes might be necessary for their comfort.
Babydoll Sheep Care
Babydoll sheep are remarkably low maintenance, making them perfect for small hobby farms – you can comfortably keep about five per acre. Their care is simple once you learn to read their signs for when they might be ill or injured. For shelter, a basic three-sided shed with a roof works beautifully; we use an open-air barn that we can lock at night for predator protection.
In warmer climates, fans help prevent overheating in summer, but avoid insulated structures since sheep don’t handle drastic temperature changes well (keep it within 15 degrees of outside temps). When it comes to fencing, focus on predator-proof options like hog panel or portable electric mesh – these hardy sheep rarely challenge fences or wonder far.
Their dietary needs are straightforward: they happily graze on most grasses, enjoy quality hay in winter (mine go crazy when I mix in some alfalfa), and appreciate occasional hand-fed grain treats that help build trust. Routine care involves shearing every spring (usually March/April), trimming hooves twice a year, and vaccinations. While we don’t groom ours for shows, we do trim around their eyes in fall if the wool grows too long. Keep Ivermectin Sheep Drench on hand for rare parasite issues, and maintain clean water containers to prevent larvae growth. During lambing time, individual stalls for a few days help new moms, though these sheep have easy births, strong mothering instinct, and vigorous lambs needing little human intervention. Just remember – while salt and mineral blocks are essential, never give sheep anything containing copper as it’s toxic to them.
FAQ's
Babydoll Sheep, also known as Ouessant or Olde English Southdown sheep, are a miniature breed known for their compact size and gentle temperament. They make excellent pets, wool producers, and are popular for sustainable land management.
Babydoll Sheep are ideal for small farms or backyard enthusiasts. They require less space, eat less than larger breeds, and their wool is prized for its quality. Their friendly nature makes them suitable for families.
Babydoll Sheep are a small breed, with mature ewes ranging from 18 to 24 inches in height at the shoulder. Rams are slightly larger, typically between 20 to 28 inches.
Babydoll Sheep have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years on average, provided they receive proper care, nutrition, and veterinary attention.
Babydoll Sheep require a balanced diet, access to fresh water, shelter, and routine veterinary care. Regular grooming and parasite control are also essential for their well-being.
Absolutely! Babydoll Sheep are known for their friendly and docile nature, making them wonderful companions. They enjoy human interaction and are easily manageable, even for those new to raising sheep.
Babydoll Sheep produce a fine, high-quality wool that is prized by crafters and artisans. The wool is soft, with a short staple length, making it suitable for various fiber arts.
Yes, Babydoll Sheep are excellent grazers and can help control vegetation in a sustainable manner. Their small size makes them well-suited for managing smaller plots of land.