BREED STANDARD
The standard for the Olde English "Babydoll" Southdown Sheep was taken directly from the Southdown Sheep Society in England. It is the standard for the original sheep changed only to allow for colors. Only white or mouse colored sheep were allowed under the original standard.

The breed description is as follows:
Head: Wide and level between the ears with no sign of slug or dark polls in the whites.

Face: Full, not to long from eyes to nose, and of one even color.

Eyes: Large, bright and prominent.

Ears: Medium size and covered with short wool.

Neck: Wide at the base and well set to the shoulder.

Carriage: Corky legs, short, straight, set on the outside of the body.

Shoulders: Well set, at the top level with the back.

Chest: Wide and deep.

Back: Level with a flat loin.

Ribs: Well sprung, well ribbed up, thick through the heart, with fore and hind flanks fully developed.

Rump: Wide and long.

Tail: Large and set almost level with the chin.

Legs: Full, well let down, with a deep wide twist (induding thighs).

Wool: Of fine texture, great density and of sufficient length of staple, covering the whole of the body down to the hocks and knees and right up to the cheeks, with foretop, but not around the eyes or the bridge of the nose.

Size: Must be 24" or under shorn. Measured straight up the front leg to the top of the shoulder.

Lambing without difficulty is one of the qualities of the "Babydolls, therefore ewes under 18" are discouraged.

Colors: All colors acceptable, Black, dilutes, and spotted.