Exmoor Horn facts for kids
Exmoor take shelter from the sun under trees
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| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
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| Distribution | Exmoor and Dartmoor |
| Use | wool |
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| Height |
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| Wool color | White |
| Horn status | Rams and ewes are horned |
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The Exmoor Horn is a special type of sheep known for its white face and horns. Both male (rams) and female (ewes) Exmoor Horn sheep have horns! This breed was created in the 1800s in a place called Exmoor, in Devon, England. But its ancestors, or family members, had already lived on these wild moors for hundreds of years.
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Where Exmoor Horn Sheep Live
These sheep mainly live in the beautiful Exmoor area of England. Some can also be found on nearby Dartmoor. They are very tough and can handle the high, open moors well.
Their Numbers Over Time
The Exmoor National Park has studied how many Exmoor Horn sheep there are. In 1947, more than a quarter (27%) of all sheep in the Somerset part of Exmoor were pure Exmoor Horns.
Over the years, the total number of sheep in the region grew. However, the percentage of pure Exmoor Horns dropped. Today, only about 10% of the sheep on Exmoor are breeding Exmoor Horn ewes.
Currently, there are about 19,000 registered breeding ewes of this type. Around 15,000 of these live on Exmoor itself.
Why Exmoor Horn Sheep Are Special
Exmoor Horns are a very strong and hardy breed. This means they are well-suited to living in the tough conditions of the high moors. They can handle the weather and the land easily.
Dual Purpose Sheep
These sheep are called "dual purpose." This means they are useful for two main things. First, they are raised for their wool, which is white. Second, they are known for being good mothers. They have many lambs, and these lambs grow into good quality meat.
