Kerry Hill

Kerry Hill sheep come from the area around Kerry in Powys, on the Welsh side of the Welsh-English border. They are easy to recognize: a white body and face are set off by crisp black markings on the nose, around the eyes, on the ears, and often on the knees or feet. Both rams and ewes are normally polled, with upright ears and a clean, alert head. The breed carries a dense white fleece and has long been used as a hardy hill and upland sheep that can also produce a well-finished lamb on better pasture.

Kerry Hills are kept by commercial farmers, pedigree breeders, and smallholders who like a manageable, attractive sheep with useful meat and wool. They do well on grazing systems but benefit from sensible flushing, good late-pregnancy nutrition, and shelter during harsh lambing weather. In show and pedigree circles, the balance of the black markings receives attention, yet buyers should not overlook teeth, feet, udder quality, fleece condition, and lambing history. As with many British native breeds, local bloodlines may differ in size, fleece, and how much hill hardiness they retain.

Colors: Badgerface, Black, Blackbelly, Brown, Gray, Gulmoget, Katmoget, Moorit, Piebald, Red, Silver, Spotted, Tan, White, White with Black Markings Around Eyes, White with Black Points, White with Brown Points