In the 1840s in the hills of Shropshire, England, progressive sheep breeders began to cross the native black-faced sheep with improved Southdown, Leicester, and Cotswold sheep to develop a medium sized, dual- purpose breed that became known as Shropshires. The popularity of the Shropshire breed rose dramatically and in 1859 the Royal Agricultural Society recognized them as a distinct breed.

Five English Shearling Ewes - Bred by Joseph Beach
First Prize, R.A.S.E., Shrewsbury, 1884

     Shropshires were first imported in 1855 into the United States and in 1884 the American Shropshire Registry was founded. During the period of 1880s to the 1930s Shropshires were the most popular and influential breed in the United States. There was even a period of time when this country had more registered Shropshires than all other breeds combined. In the late 1930s and 1940s Shropshire breeders followed a fad and bred for compact wool-blind sheep. Their prestigious position was lost.

     During the 1950s a few progressive breeders thought that the Shropshire needed to return to the characteristics that earlier made them so popular. These breeders imported a select group of rams from England to breed larger, more purposeful animals with open faces. Over the last few decades, Shropshires have evolved into a very modern and productive breed, perfect for families with youth projects. Today the Shropshire breed has continued to establish itself as a leader in the industry by becoming the first black faced, slick sheared breed.

Shropshire Benefits Extremely feed efficient Prolific mothers High rates of gain Meaty carcasses Easy lambers Medium sized Multiple births Longevity Shown slick sheared Great youth projects