TEESWATER SHEEP

The Teeswater sheep breed were developed in the Teeswater region of England and named for the River Tees. Grazed in the dales of the countryside, these large sheep were used as sires in crosses with smaller hill sheep to produce crossbred lambs for market production. This polled breed is hardy and useful for both meat and wool production in its own right. The shining, lustrous fleece of the Teeswater is appreciated by hand spinners for its staple length and fine, long curly locks. For meat purposes, the Teeswater is lean, with well-fleshed, square hindquarters.

Teeswater sheep were imported to the United States in the 1800’s but lost popularity due to importation of other long wooled breeds. Teeswater semen, and later, embryos and some rams, were again imported to America at the end of the twentieth century and have been used to develop purebred Teeswaters. There is now reciprocity with the U.K. breed society for the international exchange of genetics.

Did you know:
The Livestock Conservancy is America’s leading organization working to save over 190 heritage breeds from extinction. We rely on the support of our members, grants, and donations from the public to raise the $1 million needed each year to maintain our conservation work with rare breeds of farm animals. Click here to learn how you can help.

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