American Blackbelly Sheep

The American Blackbelly sheep is unique among hair sheep because of its exotic look and black facial bars. The breed displays the demeanor of a noble animal, which is strong, alert, well muscled, and clean cut. Along with being badger-faced, they exhibit the black markings of the on the face, legs, belly, inguinal region, chin and chest. They have an average height at their withers from 24 to 28 inches in the ewes and 30 to 32 inches in the rams. The rams are known for their massive rack of horns, with curls of 30 inches or larger in the more mature animal. Many of the characteristics and traits will not be fully recognizable until they mature.

Head

The head is medium size and proportioned to the neck and body. It will be noble with a typical “roman” nose. The head of the ram is distinctly masculine and that of the ewe is feminine. The muzzle is wide and strong with firm lips. The lower jaw is colored black. The incisor teeth must meet the dental pad.

Ears

 The ears are pointed and when alert stick out from the side of the head parallel to the ground. The inside of the ear is black.

Eyes

The eyes are brown in color and almond shaped. A wide black mark runs from above the eye to the base of the crown.

Horns

The rams, depending on their maturity and heritage, will have differently shaped and sized horns.Horn shapes include: tight horn curls; large horns that sweep out and curve behind the neck; heart- shaped horns; and horns that sweep outward in a spiral. Overall, they should be well-balanced and symmetrical.

Neck

The neck is strong and muscular, clean cut without loose folds of skin. Mature rams have a neckpiece of long hair, up to 6 inches, which extends down the neck to the brisket. An armor of coarse hair covers the entire neck.

Forequarters

The shoulders are laid on flat and both the upper arm and the shoulder blade are well muscled. The forelegs viewed from the side are straight. The pasterns (between the fetlock and the hoof) are strong and springy; these sheep are known for their ability to jump. The forelegs are black on the front from the knees down.

Hindquarters

The hindquarters are muscular with a long sloping croup (rump). The hind legs viewed from behind should be straight. Any tendency to cow hock (pulled together as if tied together) should be discouraged.

BODY CAPACITY

Body capacity are relatively large in relation to the size of the animal. The average weight for a mature ewe will be 75 to 95 pounds; the average weight of a mature ram is 110 to 140 pounds. The body of both should be deep and wide with well-sprung ribs.

Coat

The coat is a complete covering of medium to thick hair, with minor wooliness to be tolerated. A wooly coat that is not shed in the spring of the year is a disqualifying trait. The sheep should not require shearing.

 Color

The color of the animal is highlighted with contrasting black underparts, extending down the inside of the legs. Black markings on the nose, forehead, and inside of the ears are typical of the breed. The main body color can vary from light fawn through brown to reddish brown to dark mahogany red. White, other than in the tip of the tail, is a disqualifying trait.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Slick hair with smooth blending colors; strong bones and overall soundness; well-muscled legs and backs; stock that reproduces the desired qualities; stock that is parasite resistant; and stock that reaches early puberty.

I'll be adding pictures as I get a chance to.