The Himmon Flock Of Dutch Spotted Sheep (DSS) in Dorset

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The Himmon flock of Dutch Spotted Sheep was established in January 2021 with the arrival of two purebred Dutch import ewes, Taliska and Candyfloss. From there, we went on to purchase two Grade 4 ewe lambs and a purebred ram lamb from Wellbrook Dutch Spotted Sheep, with the aim being to learn more about and demonstrate the excellent crossing ability of the Dutch Spotted Sheep as a dual-purpose sire. From there, we have expanded the flock with the introduction of a wide variety of new genetics from top bloodlines, including Merryboro, Wedderburn, Top Spot, Sunnybank, and Beech Hay.

 

We are highly selective on breeding stock and bloodlines for our flock of Pedigree Dorset Dutch Spotted Sheep. Critically, we look for the following attributes in our lambs when selecting breeding stock:

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- Maternal ability

- Lamb vigour and strength

- Excellent growth rates

- Strong carcass conformation

- Minimal inputs 

- Gentle temperament

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Why Choose Dutch Spotted Sheep? 

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Dutch Spotted Sheep are an exceptionally friendly and calm breed of sheep, making them ideal for easy handling. Nevertheless, they also boast an exceptionally strong carcass and conformation, making the Dutch Spotted Sheep an excellent animal for commercial prime lamb production, be it as purebred lambs or for crossing. Dutch Spotted ewes are also incredibly milky and maternal and make excellent mothers, reducing the requirement for additional inputs.

 

Furthermore, the high demand for purebred and graded Pedigree Dutch Spotted sheep reflects the excellent characteristics of the breed, both within Dorset and the South West and further afield. We are also immensely proud to have been the first breeders of Pedigree Dutch Spotted Sheep in Dorset to join the Dutch Spotted Sheep Society.

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The Benefits of Dutch Spotted Sheep for Crossing and Prime Lamb Production

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The Dutch Spotted ram makes an exceptional choice for crossing with commercial or hill ewes to produce a market-worthy prime lamb with good conformation; some of the key attributes of Dutch Spotted Sheep for prime lamb production are as follows:

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- Easy lambing compared with other terminal breeds thanks to the Dutch Spotted's finer face shape, which reduces lambing complications and the need for intervention. This is especially pivotal when lambing ewe lambs, where traditional crossing breeds may give a lamb that is too large and blocky to get out easily, but where other easy-lambing breeds may compromise the carcass.

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- Vigorous lambs that are on their feet and suckling very quickly after birth, ensuring that lambs get plenty of first colostrum to ensure long-term immunity and reduce the need for inputs later in life. This also helps reduce early lamb losses significantly, especially in extensive systems where assistance may not always be available.

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- Fast growth rates help ensure that Dutch Spotted lambs grow rapidly, allowing them to reach market weight sooner for better returns in a commercial setting.

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- Excellent carcass conformation and tight skins, which make the Dutch Spotted an excellent breed for terminal crossing and prime lamb production across both lowland and hill ewes.

 

- High demand for the breed in commercial markets means that Dutch Spotted lambs are frequently topping market prices - giving a better return for each lamb than before.