South Hampshire

South Hampshire refers to a New Zealand-developed Southdown-Hampshire sheep, a Down composite intended to blend the Southdown's compact carcass qualities with the larger Hampshire frame and growth. The name is not just a geographic reference to Hampshire in England; it belongs to a southern hemisphere breeding effort that once had its own breeder organization and later appeared in flock-book appendices. It is best described as a meat-breed development rather than a hill, dairy, or longwool sheep.

Practical interest in South Hampshire sheep centers on terminal-sire traits, lamb growth, and carcass shape, while retaining enough maternal soundness for pasture systems. Since the formal breed presence declined, modern references may come from older New Zealand pedigrees, research flocks, or composite-breeding histories. Anyone sourcing animals under this name should verify current registration status, parentage, and whether the flock still represents the South Hampshire type.

Colors: Badgerface, Black, Blackbelly, Broken, Brown, Gray, Grey, Gulmoget, Katmoget, Moorit, Piebald, Red, Roan, Silver, Solid, Spotted, Tan, White, White with Black Points, White with Brown Points