HAMPSHIRE SHEEP

History & Standards

View the American Hampshire Sheep Association "handbook".

*ATTENTION STUDENTS* 

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HAMPSHIRE BREED STANDARDS (pdf)

HISTORY OF HAMPSHIRE SHEEP

The Hampshire sheep acquired its name from the agriculture country of Hampshire in Southern England where they were developed. The Hampshire Down evolved from the mingling of different strains of kindred blood from sheep in co-existence along the borders of Hampshire County. The Old Hampshire, Bershire Knot, Willshire Horn and Southdown sheep were believed by most writers to be the original breeds found in and along the borders of Hampshire County. Mr. John Twynam made a valuable contribution to the Hampshire Down through the use of an improved Cotswold ram and Mr. William Humphrey by the introduction of two of the largest and most outstanding Southdown rams. the sheep farmers in the district of Hampshire continued through selection to improve the Hampshire down which was considered far superior to any other sheep. In 1889 the Hampshire Down Sheep Breeder's Association was established in Salisbury, England, where it is still active.

During that same year (1889) the American Hampshire Down Sheep Association was also organized, now known as The American Hampshire Sheep Association. Hampshire sheep were reported in the US around 1840 although there were no records to indicate that any survived the Civil War. Around 1865 to 1870 Hampshire's were again imported from England but the first authentic record of importation's was made in 1879. For over a century, U.S. breeders have bred and selected Hampshire's to fill specific sheep industry needs. Hampshire sheep have the genetic ability to efficiently convert forage into meat and fiber and are adaptable and productive in various geographic regions of the United States.