The Dormer Sheep

The Dormer sheep breed boasts a rich history and exceptional attributes that make it highly valued in South Africa and beyond. The name "DORMER" is derived from the combination of Dorset Horn rams and German Merino ewes (now known as South African Mutton Merino), the Dormer was developed through extensive experiments at the Elsenburg Research Station starting in 1927. This breeding program aimed to create a mutton breed suited for South Africa's cold, wet winter rainfall regions. and to produce lambs that could compete with those from Australia and New Zealand.

The breed’s creation focused on integrating the rapid growth and meat quality of the Dorset Horn with the disease resistance and wool characteristics of the South African Mutton Merino. By 1936, the Dorset Horn rams were identified as superior in terms of mass gain and carcass quality.