Babydoll Southdown Breed Standards Guide 

History of the Babydoll Southdown

A versatile breed, Babydoll Southdown sheep are descended from the Southdown, one of the oldest down breeds. Standardized by John Ellman, they have been kept on farms in England since the late 1700s for flavorful meat and fine fleece. Documented imports to the U.S., of what we now call the Babydoll Southdown, began in the mid-1800s.

The head should be level between the ears
The face needs to be full and should have an even color throughout. Spotted sheep may have different coloring within the face.
Eyes should be bright and of amber coloring. NO BLUE EYES
Ears are short in length and should have wool that covers the ears
Legs are short and should be straight
Chest is deep and wide
Back should be flat across the back and wide
Ribs should be thick and well ribbed
Rump should be long and wide. The length of wool should be sufficient enough to cover the whole body down to hocks and to the knees. The foretop should be covered but not around the eyes or across the bridge of the nose.  Wool around the eyes can be wooly but should be trimmed if excess wool is causing wool blindness
The tail is large set and almost level with the chin
Size of the true Babydoll Southdown is 24" or under after being shorn. Measurements must be taken straight up from the front leg to the top of the shoulder. Ewes under 18" are discouraged from being bred.
Colors allowed are black, diluted as well as spotted
Wool should be fine and dense