Dorper

Dorper sheep are South African meat sheep developed from Dorset Horn and Blackhead Persian ancestry for arid-country lamb production. The familiar type has a white body and black head, while White Dorpers are all white; both are hair-and-wool shedding sheep rather than traditional long-fleeced wool breeds.

Producers use Dorpers for fast-growing lambs, broad adaptability, and lower shearing labor, especially in dry or pasture-based meat systems. Good management still matters: shedding quality varies by line, and selection should include feet, parasite tolerance, lambing ease, udder quality, and temperament rather than coat pattern alone. Carcass finish can arrive quickly, so markets and grazing plans should be matched to growth rate, especially where lambs are sold straight off pasture.

Colors: All White, Badgerface, Black, Blackbelly, Brown, Gray, Gulmoget, Katmoget, Moorit, Or All Black, Piebald, Red, Silver, Spotted, Tan, White, White Body with Black Head, White with Black Points, White with Brown Points