Alberta Sheep Breeders' Association

Shropshire

The Shropshire breed of sheep originated in the counties of Shropshire and Staffordshire in central western England.

The Shropshire is one of the heaviest wool producers among the medium-wool breeds. The fleece is dense and elastic to the touch, light shrinking and of a quality which is readily marketable. Rams may produce a fleece of 10-to 14 pounds while ewes will shear an average of 9 to 11 pounds.
Shropshires are gentle in disposition. The rams have a lean, well-muscled body structure which they transmit to their offspring. The ewes are prolific and long-lived with wonderful mothering and milking abilities. There are seldom any lambing problems with Shropshire ewes. Lambing percentages of 175-200% are not uncommon in a flock of Shropshires.