About Dormer Sheep

Dormer sheep are a cross between Dorset Horn rams and German Merino ewes (presently known as the South African Mutton Merino). They were developed through a series of extensive slaughter lamb experiments carried out at the Elsenburg Research Station of the Department of Agriculture since 1927 over a period of more than ten years. The name Dormer is shortening of the name Dorset-Merino.  

The main object with the development of the Dormer was to breed a mutton breed which could adapt to conditions in the winter rainfall area of South Africa (cold and wet) and from which suitable rams could be produced for cross breeding purposes. The Dormer is well known for its high fertility, excellent mothering abilities, long breeding season and easy lambing.