Cheviot

Cheviots are hill sheep from the Cheviot Hills on the border between England and Scotland, and everything about them is shaped by that ground. They are alert, hardy, and known for being difficult to keep behind a fence.

They have a clean white face and legs with no wool on either, erect ears, and a bare head, and they lamb unassisted with unusual reliability. Cheviot lambs are up and moving fast, which is what survival on an open hill requires.

The fleece is a distinctive, resilient wool with a helical crimp that spinners and carpet makers both want.

The trade is temperament and size. They are flighty and hard to handle compared with a down breed, they will test fencing, and the carcass is moderate, so they are a maternal and hill breed rather than a terminal one.