The Portland, once common in Dorset, is now one of England's rarest breeds. The Portland was one of the breeds used in the development of the Dorset breed.

 

Portland are small. It is free of wool on the face and lower legs which are tan. The lambs are born fox red in color and lighten to either white or gray during the first few months of life. Both sexes are horned with the ram's horns having a heavy spiral. This breed will also sometimes breed out of season.

 

The staple length of the wool is 6-9 cm with a spinning count of 50's to 56's. The average fleece weight is between 2-3 kg.

 

 

References

British Sheep and Wool, British Wool Marketing Board, Oak Mills, Station Rd., Clayton, Bradford. 112 pp.

 

Mason, I.L. 1996. A World Dictionary of Livestock Breeds, Types and Varieties. Fourth Edition. C.A.B International. 273 pp.