Perendale

Perendale is a New Zealand sheep breed developed at Massey Agricultural College by crossing Romney ewes with Cheviot rams and then fixing the type through selection. Named for Sir Geoffrey Peren, it was created for hill country where Romney sheep alone did not always suit rougher, lower-fertility pasture. Perendales carry a strong, active frame and a medium to coarse white fleece with useful staple length.

The breed is valued for lamb production, mothering, and movement over steep or uneven ground, with wool remaining a meaningful secondary product. A Perendale should not be treated as a casual first cross; established flocks have been selected for generations. Farmers considering the breed should look for sound feet, open faces, lamb survival, and ewes that maintain condition on pasture. In the right country, Perendales can be efficient dual-purpose sheep, especially where a tougher hill animal is needed without giving up too much fleece or carcass.