United Horned Hair Sheep Association, Inc. |
These are the standards that all breeders should do their best to have as breeding
goals. Some standards are required for registration and a complete list of standards
which are required for registration is listed afterwards.
Traits discriminated against, traits which are suggested to be used minimally in
breeding the sheep, are a fault and are not a disqualification and animals exhibiting
faults in one area or another are still able to be registered. An animal displaying a trait
that is listed as a disqualification is NOT able to be registered or recorded. Sheep
which do not exhibit the requirements for registrations are considered to be
disqualified and not eligible for registration.
GENERAL APPEARANCE:
The General Character and Appearance of the Sheep represented by the United
Horned Hair Sheep Association, Inc., should be one of a noble animal. The sheep
should look like an athlete with a lean, sleek form. The sheep are not purely a meat
breed but are more for multiple markets (Click Here for more information about
multiple markets) and may not necessarily weigh nor exhibit the deep and heavy
muscling of sheep which are considered purely meat breeds.
HEAD:
Should be well balanced and proportional to the body and held high when the sheep
is alerted. Ewes should have a more feminine face and features than the rams.
The back of the head of mature rams may display a slight to extreme rounded hump
behind the horn base. This is part of the rams’ physical frame which helps cushion the
brain during any sparring.
NOSE:
Young lambs typically have a straight profile.
As ewes age, some may display a slight roman nose (elevated area on the nose
bridge seen when viewed from the side profile) while many will maintain the straight
profile.
As the rams age, a slight to moderate roman nose (elevated area on the nose bridge
seen when viewed from the side profile) may be displayed. One may note a bigger
elevation on the nose bridge during times association with breeding cycles or during
an increase in sparring activity among rams.
Nose pads and lips must be pink. Black spotting or areas on the nose pads or lips or
solid black colored nose pads are a disqualification from registration. SEE PICTURES
TO THE RIGHT
White sheep which have solid black noses and lips may be registered as an American
Dall. If you are interested in registering a sheep which otherwise meets all the breed
registraton requirements for a Texas Dall, except for having black noses and or lips
and or an excess of pigmentation (black color) around the eye, please contact the
Secretary, at uhhsa@yahoo.com
COAT:
The Texas Dall Sheep is considered a hair or shedding sheep. These sheep actually
have two coats: a hair type coat and usually a more wooly undercoat. The undercoat
may resemble a thicker hair to a more wool type look and texture. This undercoat
grows during cool weather and will naturally shed off when warmer weather arrives.
In colder climates, some sheep may exhibit a 3 inch or more full winter undercoat;
however, the undercoat should completely shed off without shearing when warm
weather arrives with the exceptions of lambs and some yearlings.
The ability of the sheep to grow and shed the undercoat, may lead to only partial
shedding for a time in various climates. A complete shedding generally occurs by May,
June or early July. The exact time for a complete and natural shedding depends on
the climate. Lambs and some yearlings may not shed totally till the next year.
Texas Dall sheep with possible close Mouflon breed influence, may have a slight
shedding of coarse guard hairs in the fall, dependent of the climate.
The complete and natural shedding ability is important in maintaining ease of care and
a lack of such shedding may be indicative of parent breeds in the background that are
not desirable or of having wool parent breeds in the recent background.
COAT COLORS:
Texas Dall Sheep should have a completely white coat color. To be registered, the
sheep must not have any other color than white in the coat. There should be no
visible reddish or fawn spots or hairs within the coat.
With white coats, the skin of Texas Dalls should not show any pigmentation either.
However, very limited light brown pigmentation on the lower or upper eyelid margins,
especially on aged Texas Dalls, is acceptable for registration purposes.
EARS:
Ears should be parallel to the ground or at slightly higher angles. A very slight angle
below parallel to the ground is noticeable at times; however, the ears should become
parallel to the ground or higher when on alert. SEE PICTURE TO THE RIGHT
While at birth, lambs may display droopy ears, especially those who are part of a
multiple birth; however, the ear(s) should straighten up within a few days. Otherwise,
ears must not droop enough to be considered floppy. Such ears would tend to
indicate cross-breeding in the background of the sheep. Naturally occurring (not due
to injury or other difficulties) droopy ears are a disqualification for registration.
Ears generally should come to a slight point at the tip and not be completely rounded
in shape. Elf ears (ears with external cartilage which is generally 1/2 inch to 3 inches
in length and exhibiting a more v-shaped ear) and Gopher ears (ears without visible
extenal cartilage or with less than 1/2 inch) are acceptable. Natural ears may vary in
length but are generally in the range of 3 - 4 inches. Abbreviations used within the
registry are as such: E indicating Elf Ears, G indicating Gopher Ears, and N indicating
Natural Ears. SEE ILLUSTRATIONS TO THE RIGHT
EYES:
Eyes should be bright and alert and must be free from genetic eyelid defects such as
Entropion.
The color of the eyes vary from dark brown, golden brown to amber.
It is preferred for no pigmentation around the eyes to exist; however, very limited light
brown pigmentation on the lower eyelid margin or top eyelid margin is allowed.
SEE PICTURES TO THE RIGHT
INCISOR TEETH:
Incisor teeth should meet the dental pad. A severe and distinct space between the
incisor teeth and the dental pad is a disqualification.
Sheep should not have an extreme overbite (parrot mouth) or underbite (monkey jaw).
SEE ILLUSTRATIONS TO BELOW RIGHT
CLICK HERE to learn how to estimate the age of your sheep by looking at the teeth!
NECK:
Neck should continue from the head and gradually lead into the shoulders and be
gracefully held when sheep are alert.
A ewe’s neck will be graceful and proportional in size based on the ewe‘s overall frame.
A ram’s neck will be thicker and more muscular than a ewe‘s neck in appearance and
to the touch. During the Fall or cooler weather, rams may display an increase in hair
and undercoat growth around the neck area which will make the neck look much
larger.
MANE:
Mature rams will display a mane in the winter. Some rams will shed the mane
completely in the summer while others will retain the mane. Some ewes may also
exhibit a short mane.
A ram’s mane may be varied in length from short to long, some even almost touching
the ground when in full winter coat. Some manes may be much shorter and hang just
a couple of inches below the bottom line of the chest. A ram with no mane at any time
is a severe fault and is discriminated against.
SHOULDERS AND WITHERS:
The shoulders should be developed and muscled proportionally to the size of the
sheep. They should flow into the ribs (well laid into the ribs).
The withers (area between the shoulder blades along the top line) may be elevated
with rams exhibiting a more pronounced and higher elevated wither. Some sheep may
have a completely straight topline and no elevation at the withers.
CHEST:
The width of the chest of most Texas Dall Sheep will be narrow to moderate with a
more athletic look - proportional to the size of the sheep.
The width of the front of the sheep should not be greater than the width of the back of
the sheep to facilitate lambing.
BACK:
Continuing after a smooth transition from straight or elevated withers, the back should
be strong, level and relatively smooth. The Back may tend in width to look lean, sleek,
and athletic.
The back is proportioned to the height of the sheep and is generally not longer than
the height.
RIBS AND ABDOMEN:
Ribs should be well sprung. Abdomen should allow for multiple births and be
proportional for smaller sized ewes; however, Mouflon sheep and high content
Mouflon ewes are primarily shaped and geared toward single births.
BOTTOM LINE:
The bottom line should not be tucked in at the fore flank nor the rear flank.
LEGS:
The Legs should be sound and proportioned to size of individual sheep. Sheep will
have long athletic legs, usually longer than body height from bottom line to top line.
Rams will generally have thicker legs then ewes.
Legs should have a conformationally correct appearance. Front legs should not be
knock kneed, bowlegged, buck-kneed or calf kneed. Rear Legs should not be cow
hocked, sickle hocked or post legged. Lower Legs on both front and rear legs should
not toe in (angle inward/pigeon toed) or toe out (angle outward/splayfooted) too much.
Pasterns should be strong and correct.
SEE ILLUSTRATIONS TO THE RIGHT
A nice four square stance is desired with legs standing nicely inline with the body of
the sheep.
RUMP:
Continuing from the back, the rump should exhibit a gradually angled slope to the
dock.
Size and muscling of rump are proportional to the size of the overall sheep.
THIGH:
The Thigh should be well developed in proportion to the size of the sheep. Texas Dall
Sheep may not display the depth and heavy muscling of some sheep breeds
developed purely for fast gain and high weights (meat) at an early age.
TWIST:
The twist is the junction where the insides of the thighs meet. To compare sheep as
far as meat capability, the measurement of the depth of the twist may be taken. To
measure the depth of the twist, one can place hands at the top of the tail and at the
crotch. This measurement assists especially in judging of pure meat sheep breeds
and shows the depth of muscling in this area. SEE ILLUSTRATION TO LEFT
The Texas Dall Sheep tend toward the depth of the twist being minimal to moderately
deep. The Twist should be muscled proportional to the size and frame of the individual
sheep.
UDDER:
A ewe’s udder should be well proportioned and relatively symmetrical and have only
two teats. A ewe with more than two teats is discriminated against. The teats should be
free of obvious defects affecting function.
SCROTUM:
Both Testicles should be uniform and symmetrical, free of obvious deformities.
Testicles should be well sized and the scrotum itself should also be free of obvious
deformities.
SEE SCROTUM/TESTICLES ILLUSTRATION TO THE RIGHT
TAIL:
Tail lengths vary. Shorter tails are preferred. Tails should not be “round” and should
be more “flat“.
A tail that is reaching to the hocks is discriminated against. A tail past the hocks is a
disqualification from registration in the United Horned Hair Sheep Association, Inc.
SEE TAIL LENGTH ILLUSTRATION TO THE RIGHT
HOOF:
Hooves should be well formed and kept free of deformities and disease.
Texas Dall Sheep hooves must be white with some darkening as the sheep ages and
with no distinct pigmentation visible. Distinct Black within the hooves would disqualify
the sheep from being registered (no variegated hooves - SEE PICTURE TO THE
LEFT).
HORNS:
All rams must grow and display horns, however, both polled (hornless) and horned
ewes are acceptable as are ewes with scurs. Some breeders prefer not to have scurs
on their sheep due to scurs being easily knocked off and bleeding that could occur.
Rams with scurs are not eligible for registration. To be registered, ram lambs out of
unregistered parents will need to exhibit horns in submitted registration photographs.
HORN DISTANCE FROM FACE:
In general, wide horns (horns with plenty of room from the face) are preferred over
horns that may grow close to the face and eventually touch the face. Some flock
owners and breeders prefer horns which are a little closer to face (more heart
shaped) or have tight curls while other flock owners prefer horns which have much
wider areas between the face and the horns or less tight curls (horns almost sticking
straight out).
Filing or training of the horns to prevent horns from touching the face is acceptable
and will not prevent the ram from being registered. However, such activities should
always be disclosed in a honest manner to potential customers.
HORN SHAPE AND TYPE OF HORNS:
Horns can be of varying shapes though Texas Dall Sheep seem to display the
Supracervical Horn Type more frequently than other breeds. Some horns may be
wider than others at the “tips“.
SEE PICTURES TO THE RIGHT
Over all directional shape of horn growth
Supracervical Horns (abbreviated SH)
(Heart Shaped)
Homonymous Horns (abbreviated HH)
(spiraling out)
Number of Horns
Polycerate/Multiple Horns (abbreviated MH)
(multiple horns - 3, 4, +)
Actual shape of individual horns
Webbed Horns
Abbreviated SW for Supracervical shape, webbed horns
Abbreviated HW for Homonymous shape, webbed horns
Abbreviated WH for horns which do not show over all shape of horn growth yet but do
show they are webbed
Round/Usual Horns
Horns are more round in circumference. This is the most common actual horn shape.
EWES'S HORNS
Ewes’ horns really do not take on shapes as the rams’ horns. They sometimes can be
curved outward or backward. To indicate Horned Ewes in the registry, HE is the
abbreviation used. SEE PHOTO TO RIGHT
HORN LENGTH
A mature ram’s horn lengths vary based on actual age, individual ram (genetics),
areas of the country (environment and weather), nutrition and health. Growth rate
(rate at which the horns grow) is also dependent upon some of the above factors.
Horns generally slow down during late winter/early spring unless fed to overcome the
slowdown; however, the average overall growth rate for horns for young rams is 1" per
month for the first two years. Some rams may seem to get a good start with quick
growing horns while others horns grow slower but then catch up as the ram matures.
Mature rams usually display 20 - 29 inch length horns to measurements in the 30 - 39
range. A world record is 52 inches long for a Texas Dall ram. Horns generally turn
outward. Bases on mature rams generally run 8 to 9 inches in circumference. Ten
inches in circumference of the base of mature rams’ horns also can be found. Eleven
inches in basal circumference (base measurements) for each horn is exceptional.
Some breeders will prefer larger base measurements as the horns grow out from the
bases and with larger base measurements, the belief is, the better future opportunity
for growth exists.
CLICK HERE OR ON PICTURE TO THE LEFT TO LEARN HOW TO MEASURE AND
SCORE YOUR RAM'S HORNS
HORN COLOR:
While shapes and lengths of the sheep breeds represented by UHHSA, Inc., are
similar, certain breeds prefer certain colors of horns. For the Texas Dall Sheep, horns
must be white with no other colors visible. There may be some areas of darker color
visible as the color may wash out as the ram ages or may collect dirt; however, distinct
variegated horns are a disqualification.
SEE PHOTOS TO THE RIGHT
SIZE:
The average height of the Texas Dall Sheep for the ewes is 20 - 27 inches at the
withers and 21 - 31 inches at the withers for rams. Individual sheep may be outside of
the range and there is no fault or disqualification for above or below average heights.
Texas Dall Sheep generally run larger in size than the Painted Desert Sheep, and
Mouflon Sheep which are also represented by the United Horned Hair Sheep
Association, Inc.
WEIGHT:
The weight of the sheep varies and individual sheep may weigh outside the range.
Ewes may weigh 60 - 150 lbs with an average of 70 - 100 lbs. Rams generally weigh
from 75 - 200 pounds with an average of 100 lbs.
BACKGROUND/HERITAGE:
Texas Dall Sheep are a naturally shedding, all white hair sheep with Mouflon Sheep
influence in ancestry. All rams must have horns, and the ewes are allowed to have
horns although most ewes are polled. Rams must not exhibit scurs instead of horns,
while ewes with scurs are acceptable.
The first Texas Dalls were first called Snow Sheep and were the results of accidental
matings between Mouflon Ewes and Horned Rambouilet Rams.
The Sheep should not contain, to the best knowledge of the owner, any polled blood
or other types of polled bloodlines, including but not limited to Dorper, Katahdin, and
St. Croix sheep breeds. Horned Ancestry bloodlines accepted are Texas Dall,
Mouflon, Horned Rambouliet, Merino, or Navajo Churro. Because of the chance for
spotting, the parent wool breed (Jacob) which may produce spotting in the progeny
should probably not be used.
While the original crosses occurred several decades ago, some breeders may wish to
create new bloodlines using one or more of the parent wool breeds. To be registered,
Texas Dall sheep must consist of 1/8th or less of parent wool breeds and meet all
other breed standards.
Texas Dall Sheep which are directly bred from parent wool lines listed above, must
completely shed and additional pictures showing the completely shed sheep may be
required for registration if the pictures submitted does not clearly show the sheep
shedding or having shed.
Information about any known background of the ancestral breeds should be included
in pedigrees with their percentages of the breeds noted to assist breeders in choosing
bloodlines. If a sheep is unregistered, the animal should be clearly labeled as
unregistered. This information should include any known wool breeds in the bloodlines.
NON STANDARD COLOR PRODUCING TEXAS DALL
What to do when sheep which are registered as Texas Dall when mated with another
Texas Dall Sheep, produces the occasional fawn spotting or other nonstandard
coloring which does not disappear. Are these color producers then still considered
Texas Dall Sheep or are the offspring simply expressing a color phase? For UHHSA
and the Texas Dall Registry Division purposes at this time, a Texas Dall Sheep will be
defined as an all white sheep which, when bred to all white sheep normally produces
all white sheep and which has no known spotting genetics in the known pedigrees of
the sheep.
While some market opportunities do not require such distinction, for registration and
breeding purposes of a Texas Dall Sheep, production of spotting and color variances
should matter and is highly discriminated against. Animals displaying nonstandard
coloring are not eligible for registration as a Texas Dall Sheep. UHHSA and the Texas
Dall Registry expects it’s members to fully disclose any known spotting that exists in
their Texas Dall Flocks and work on minimizing spotting and the chance for spotting or
nonstandard coloring to the best of their abilities.
While each shepherd needs to make decisions on their flock management, it is
strongly suggested that if a registered ram or registered ewe is shown to produce non
standard coloring with different mates, that sheep be removed from the Texas Dall
breeding program.
If Any Sheep are produced which do not meet the color standards for the Texas Dall
Registry, PLEASE consider registering them with the Painted Desert Registry division
of UHHSA if they match the Painted Desert Breed Standard or another division within
UHHSA if they match the division’s Breed Standards.
TRAITS REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION:
TRAITS DISCRIMINATED AGAINST (considered a fault):
DISQUALIFICATIONS:
NOTES:
Sheep with Disqualifying traits are not eligible for registration and will be denied
registration. Excessive Discriminating traits of an individual sheep may render that
sheep ineligible for registration if, at the inspectors and board of directors discretion,
such traits seriously challenge the breed identity.
goals. Some standards are required for registration and a complete list of standards
which are required for registration is listed afterwards.
Traits discriminated against, traits which are suggested to be used minimally in
breeding the sheep, are a fault and are not a disqualification and animals exhibiting
faults in one area or another are still able to be registered. An animal displaying a trait
that is listed as a disqualification is NOT able to be registered or recorded. Sheep
which do not exhibit the requirements for registrations are considered to be
disqualified and not eligible for registration.
GENERAL APPEARANCE:
The General Character and Appearance of the Sheep represented by the United
Horned Hair Sheep Association, Inc., should be one of a noble animal. The sheep
should look like an athlete with a lean, sleek form. The sheep are not purely a meat
breed but are more for multiple markets (Click Here for more information about
multiple markets) and may not necessarily weigh nor exhibit the deep and heavy
muscling of sheep which are considered purely meat breeds.
HEAD:
Should be well balanced and proportional to the body and held high when the sheep
is alerted. Ewes should have a more feminine face and features than the rams.
The back of the head of mature rams may display a slight to extreme rounded hump
behind the horn base. This is part of the rams’ physical frame which helps cushion the
brain during any sparring.
NOSE:
Young lambs typically have a straight profile.
As ewes age, some may display a slight roman nose (elevated area on the nose
bridge seen when viewed from the side profile) while many will maintain the straight
profile.
As the rams age, a slight to moderate roman nose (elevated area on the nose bridge
seen when viewed from the side profile) may be displayed. One may note a bigger
elevation on the nose bridge during times association with breeding cycles or during
an increase in sparring activity among rams.
Nose pads and lips must be pink. Black spotting or areas on the nose pads or lips or
solid black colored nose pads are a disqualification from registration. SEE PICTURES
TO THE RIGHT
White sheep which have solid black noses and lips may be registered as an American
Dall. If you are interested in registering a sheep which otherwise meets all the breed
registraton requirements for a Texas Dall, except for having black noses and or lips
and or an excess of pigmentation (black color) around the eye, please contact the
Secretary, at uhhsa@yahoo.com
COAT:
The Texas Dall Sheep is considered a hair or shedding sheep. These sheep actually
have two coats: a hair type coat and usually a more wooly undercoat. The undercoat
may resemble a thicker hair to a more wool type look and texture. This undercoat
grows during cool weather and will naturally shed off when warmer weather arrives.
In colder climates, some sheep may exhibit a 3 inch or more full winter undercoat;
however, the undercoat should completely shed off without shearing when warm
weather arrives with the exceptions of lambs and some yearlings.
The ability of the sheep to grow and shed the undercoat, may lead to only partial
shedding for a time in various climates. A complete shedding generally occurs by May,
June or early July. The exact time for a complete and natural shedding depends on
the climate. Lambs and some yearlings may not shed totally till the next year.
Texas Dall sheep with possible close Mouflon breed influence, may have a slight
shedding of coarse guard hairs in the fall, dependent of the climate.
The complete and natural shedding ability is important in maintaining ease of care and
a lack of such shedding may be indicative of parent breeds in the background that are
not desirable or of having wool parent breeds in the recent background.
COAT COLORS:
Texas Dall Sheep should have a completely white coat color. To be registered, the
sheep must not have any other color than white in the coat. There should be no
visible reddish or fawn spots or hairs within the coat.
With white coats, the skin of Texas Dalls should not show any pigmentation either.
However, very limited light brown pigmentation on the lower or upper eyelid margins,
especially on aged Texas Dalls, is acceptable for registration purposes.
EARS:
Ears should be parallel to the ground or at slightly higher angles. A very slight angle
below parallel to the ground is noticeable at times; however, the ears should become
parallel to the ground or higher when on alert. SEE PICTURE TO THE RIGHT
While at birth, lambs may display droopy ears, especially those who are part of a
multiple birth; however, the ear(s) should straighten up within a few days. Otherwise,
ears must not droop enough to be considered floppy. Such ears would tend to
indicate cross-breeding in the background of the sheep. Naturally occurring (not due
to injury or other difficulties) droopy ears are a disqualification for registration.
Ears generally should come to a slight point at the tip and not be completely rounded
in shape. Elf ears (ears with external cartilage which is generally 1/2 inch to 3 inches
in length and exhibiting a more v-shaped ear) and Gopher ears (ears without visible
extenal cartilage or with less than 1/2 inch) are acceptable. Natural ears may vary in
length but are generally in the range of 3 - 4 inches. Abbreviations used within the
registry are as such: E indicating Elf Ears, G indicating Gopher Ears, and N indicating
Natural Ears. SEE ILLUSTRATIONS TO THE RIGHT
EYES:
Eyes should be bright and alert and must be free from genetic eyelid defects such as
Entropion.
The color of the eyes vary from dark brown, golden brown to amber.
It is preferred for no pigmentation around the eyes to exist; however, very limited light
brown pigmentation on the lower eyelid margin or top eyelid margin is allowed.
SEE PICTURES TO THE RIGHT
INCISOR TEETH:
Incisor teeth should meet the dental pad. A severe and distinct space between the
incisor teeth and the dental pad is a disqualification.
Sheep should not have an extreme overbite (parrot mouth) or underbite (monkey jaw).
SEE ILLUSTRATIONS TO BELOW RIGHT
CLICK HERE to learn how to estimate the age of your sheep by looking at the teeth!
NECK:
Neck should continue from the head and gradually lead into the shoulders and be
gracefully held when sheep are alert.
A ewe’s neck will be graceful and proportional in size based on the ewe‘s overall frame.
A ram’s neck will be thicker and more muscular than a ewe‘s neck in appearance and
to the touch. During the Fall or cooler weather, rams may display an increase in hair
and undercoat growth around the neck area which will make the neck look much
larger.
MANE:
Mature rams will display a mane in the winter. Some rams will shed the mane
completely in the summer while others will retain the mane. Some ewes may also
exhibit a short mane.
A ram’s mane may be varied in length from short to long, some even almost touching
the ground when in full winter coat. Some manes may be much shorter and hang just
a couple of inches below the bottom line of the chest. A ram with no mane at any time
is a severe fault and is discriminated against.
SHOULDERS AND WITHERS:
The shoulders should be developed and muscled proportionally to the size of the
sheep. They should flow into the ribs (well laid into the ribs).
The withers (area between the shoulder blades along the top line) may be elevated
with rams exhibiting a more pronounced and higher elevated wither. Some sheep may
have a completely straight topline and no elevation at the withers.
CHEST:
The width of the chest of most Texas Dall Sheep will be narrow to moderate with a
more athletic look - proportional to the size of the sheep.
The width of the front of the sheep should not be greater than the width of the back of
the sheep to facilitate lambing.
BACK:
Continuing after a smooth transition from straight or elevated withers, the back should
be strong, level and relatively smooth. The Back may tend in width to look lean, sleek,
and athletic.
The back is proportioned to the height of the sheep and is generally not longer than
the height.
RIBS AND ABDOMEN:
Ribs should be well sprung. Abdomen should allow for multiple births and be
proportional for smaller sized ewes; however, Mouflon sheep and high content
Mouflon ewes are primarily shaped and geared toward single births.
BOTTOM LINE:
The bottom line should not be tucked in at the fore flank nor the rear flank.
LEGS:
The Legs should be sound and proportioned to size of individual sheep. Sheep will
have long athletic legs, usually longer than body height from bottom line to top line.
Rams will generally have thicker legs then ewes.
Legs should have a conformationally correct appearance. Front legs should not be
knock kneed, bowlegged, buck-kneed or calf kneed. Rear Legs should not be cow
hocked, sickle hocked or post legged. Lower Legs on both front and rear legs should
not toe in (angle inward/pigeon toed) or toe out (angle outward/splayfooted) too much.
Pasterns should be strong and correct.
SEE ILLUSTRATIONS TO THE RIGHT
A nice four square stance is desired with legs standing nicely inline with the body of
the sheep.
RUMP:
Continuing from the back, the rump should exhibit a gradually angled slope to the
dock.
Size and muscling of rump are proportional to the size of the overall sheep.
THIGH:
The Thigh should be well developed in proportion to the size of the sheep. Texas Dall
Sheep may not display the depth and heavy muscling of some sheep breeds
developed purely for fast gain and high weights (meat) at an early age.
TWIST:
The twist is the junction where the insides of the thighs meet. To compare sheep as
far as meat capability, the measurement of the depth of the twist may be taken. To
measure the depth of the twist, one can place hands at the top of the tail and at the
crotch. This measurement assists especially in judging of pure meat sheep breeds
and shows the depth of muscling in this area. SEE ILLUSTRATION TO LEFT
The Texas Dall Sheep tend toward the depth of the twist being minimal to moderately
deep. The Twist should be muscled proportional to the size and frame of the individual
sheep.
UDDER:
A ewe’s udder should be well proportioned and relatively symmetrical and have only
two teats. A ewe with more than two teats is discriminated against. The teats should be
free of obvious defects affecting function.
SCROTUM:
Both Testicles should be uniform and symmetrical, free of obvious deformities.
Testicles should be well sized and the scrotum itself should also be free of obvious
deformities.
SEE SCROTUM/TESTICLES ILLUSTRATION TO THE RIGHT
TAIL:
Tail lengths vary. Shorter tails are preferred. Tails should not be “round” and should
be more “flat“.
A tail that is reaching to the hocks is discriminated against. A tail past the hocks is a
disqualification from registration in the United Horned Hair Sheep Association, Inc.
SEE TAIL LENGTH ILLUSTRATION TO THE RIGHT
HOOF:
Hooves should be well formed and kept free of deformities and disease.
Texas Dall Sheep hooves must be white with some darkening as the sheep ages and
with no distinct pigmentation visible. Distinct Black within the hooves would disqualify
the sheep from being registered (no variegated hooves - SEE PICTURE TO THE
LEFT).
HORNS:
All rams must grow and display horns, however, both polled (hornless) and horned
ewes are acceptable as are ewes with scurs. Some breeders prefer not to have scurs
on their sheep due to scurs being easily knocked off and bleeding that could occur.
Rams with scurs are not eligible for registration. To be registered, ram lambs out of
unregistered parents will need to exhibit horns in submitted registration photographs.
HORN DISTANCE FROM FACE:
In general, wide horns (horns with plenty of room from the face) are preferred over
horns that may grow close to the face and eventually touch the face. Some flock
owners and breeders prefer horns which are a little closer to face (more heart
shaped) or have tight curls while other flock owners prefer horns which have much
wider areas between the face and the horns or less tight curls (horns almost sticking
straight out).
Filing or training of the horns to prevent horns from touching the face is acceptable
and will not prevent the ram from being registered. However, such activities should
always be disclosed in a honest manner to potential customers.
HORN SHAPE AND TYPE OF HORNS:
Horns can be of varying shapes though Texas Dall Sheep seem to display the
Supracervical Horn Type more frequently than other breeds. Some horns may be
wider than others at the “tips“.
SEE PICTURES TO THE RIGHT
Over all directional shape of horn growth
Supracervical Horns (abbreviated SH)
(Heart Shaped)
Homonymous Horns (abbreviated HH)
(spiraling out)
Number of Horns
Polycerate/Multiple Horns (abbreviated MH)
(multiple horns - 3, 4, +)
Actual shape of individual horns
Webbed Horns
Abbreviated SW for Supracervical shape, webbed horns
Abbreviated HW for Homonymous shape, webbed horns
Abbreviated WH for horns which do not show over all shape of horn growth yet but do
show they are webbed
Round/Usual Horns
Horns are more round in circumference. This is the most common actual horn shape.
EWES'S HORNS
Ewes’ horns really do not take on shapes as the rams’ horns. They sometimes can be
curved outward or backward. To indicate Horned Ewes in the registry, HE is the
abbreviation used. SEE PHOTO TO RIGHT
HORN LENGTH
A mature ram’s horn lengths vary based on actual age, individual ram (genetics),
areas of the country (environment and weather), nutrition and health. Growth rate
(rate at which the horns grow) is also dependent upon some of the above factors.
Horns generally slow down during late winter/early spring unless fed to overcome the
slowdown; however, the average overall growth rate for horns for young rams is 1" per
month for the first two years. Some rams may seem to get a good start with quick
growing horns while others horns grow slower but then catch up as the ram matures.
Mature rams usually display 20 - 29 inch length horns to measurements in the 30 - 39
range. A world record is 52 inches long for a Texas Dall ram. Horns generally turn
outward. Bases on mature rams generally run 8 to 9 inches in circumference. Ten
inches in circumference of the base of mature rams’ horns also can be found. Eleven
inches in basal circumference (base measurements) for each horn is exceptional.
Some breeders will prefer larger base measurements as the horns grow out from the
bases and with larger base measurements, the belief is, the better future opportunity
for growth exists.
CLICK HERE OR ON PICTURE TO THE LEFT TO LEARN HOW TO MEASURE AND
SCORE YOUR RAM'S HORNS
HORN COLOR:
While shapes and lengths of the sheep breeds represented by UHHSA, Inc., are
similar, certain breeds prefer certain colors of horns. For the Texas Dall Sheep, horns
must be white with no other colors visible. There may be some areas of darker color
visible as the color may wash out as the ram ages or may collect dirt; however, distinct
variegated horns are a disqualification.
SEE PHOTOS TO THE RIGHT
SIZE:
The average height of the Texas Dall Sheep for the ewes is 20 - 27 inches at the
withers and 21 - 31 inches at the withers for rams. Individual sheep may be outside of
the range and there is no fault or disqualification for above or below average heights.
Texas Dall Sheep generally run larger in size than the Painted Desert Sheep, and
Mouflon Sheep which are also represented by the United Horned Hair Sheep
Association, Inc.
WEIGHT:
The weight of the sheep varies and individual sheep may weigh outside the range.
Ewes may weigh 60 - 150 lbs with an average of 70 - 100 lbs. Rams generally weigh
from 75 - 200 pounds with an average of 100 lbs.
BACKGROUND/HERITAGE:
Texas Dall Sheep are a naturally shedding, all white hair sheep with Mouflon Sheep
influence in ancestry. All rams must have horns, and the ewes are allowed to have
horns although most ewes are polled. Rams must not exhibit scurs instead of horns,
while ewes with scurs are acceptable.
The first Texas Dalls were first called Snow Sheep and were the results of accidental
matings between Mouflon Ewes and Horned Rambouilet Rams.
The Sheep should not contain, to the best knowledge of the owner, any polled blood
or other types of polled bloodlines, including but not limited to Dorper, Katahdin, and
St. Croix sheep breeds. Horned Ancestry bloodlines accepted are Texas Dall,
Mouflon, Horned Rambouliet, Merino, or Navajo Churro. Because of the chance for
spotting, the parent wool breed (Jacob) which may produce spotting in the progeny
should probably not be used.
While the original crosses occurred several decades ago, some breeders may wish to
create new bloodlines using one or more of the parent wool breeds. To be registered,
Texas Dall sheep must consist of 1/8th or less of parent wool breeds and meet all
other breed standards.
Texas Dall Sheep which are directly bred from parent wool lines listed above, must
completely shed and additional pictures showing the completely shed sheep may be
required for registration if the pictures submitted does not clearly show the sheep
shedding or having shed.
Information about any known background of the ancestral breeds should be included
in pedigrees with their percentages of the breeds noted to assist breeders in choosing
bloodlines. If a sheep is unregistered, the animal should be clearly labeled as
unregistered. This information should include any known wool breeds in the bloodlines.
NON STANDARD COLOR PRODUCING TEXAS DALL
What to do when sheep which are registered as Texas Dall when mated with another
Texas Dall Sheep, produces the occasional fawn spotting or other nonstandard
coloring which does not disappear. Are these color producers then still considered
Texas Dall Sheep or are the offspring simply expressing a color phase? For UHHSA
and the Texas Dall Registry Division purposes at this time, a Texas Dall Sheep will be
defined as an all white sheep which, when bred to all white sheep normally produces
all white sheep and which has no known spotting genetics in the known pedigrees of
the sheep.
While some market opportunities do not require such distinction, for registration and
breeding purposes of a Texas Dall Sheep, production of spotting and color variances
should matter and is highly discriminated against. Animals displaying nonstandard
coloring are not eligible for registration as a Texas Dall Sheep. UHHSA and the Texas
Dall Registry expects it’s members to fully disclose any known spotting that exists in
their Texas Dall Flocks and work on minimizing spotting and the chance for spotting or
nonstandard coloring to the best of their abilities.
While each shepherd needs to make decisions on their flock management, it is
strongly suggested that if a registered ram or registered ewe is shown to produce non
standard coloring with different mates, that sheep be removed from the Texas Dall
breeding program.
If Any Sheep are produced which do not meet the color standards for the Texas Dall
Registry, PLEASE consider registering them with the Painted Desert Registry division
of UHHSA if they match the Painted Desert Breed Standard or another division within
UHHSA if they match the division’s Breed Standards.
TRAITS REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION:
- Rams must have horns
- All white coat. United Horned Hair Sheep Association, Inc., reserves the right to
request additional photos showing horns, coat or other attributes of the sheep
for which registration or recording is requested. - No black or other color visible on the nose and lips with only MINIMAL light
pigmentation around the eyelid margin - Known background of only Texas Dall, Mouflon, and wool parent breeds of
Horned Rambouilet, Merino, and Navajo Churro - 1/8th or less of wool parent breeds
- Sheep at maturity normally exhibiting shedding ability
TRAITS DISCRIMINATED AGAINST (considered a fault):
- Rams’ horns which touch the face at maturity
- For multi horned animals - fused horns
- Extra Teats on ewes
- Slight under or over bite, with teeth just barely touching the edge of the dental
pad - Sheep which do not shed out completely at maturity on a general basis
- Minimal Light Brown Pigmentation around the eyelid margins
- Mature rams with no mane at any time
- Tails reaching to the hocks
DISQUALIFICATIONS:
- Sheep with known polled bloodlines
- Rams which are polled or have scurs at maturity
- Tails past the hocks
- Docked tails
- Sheep with more than 1/8th known wool breeding from the parent breeds -
Horned Rambouliet, Merino, Navajo Churro - Sheep with known recent Jacob bloodlines
- Sheep with any known wool breeding from any non-parent wool breed
- Hermaphroditism
- One or both testicles not descended
- Severe under or over bite, with distinct space between teeth and edge of dental
pad - Evidence of cross breeding shown by physical appearance of breeds which are
not included in the history or background of Texas Dall Sheep such as Suffolk,
Hampshire, Dorper, Katahdin, St Croix, etc. - Entropion (inverted eyelids) or other genetic eyelid defects
- Naturally occurring droopy or floppy ears on adults
- Known spotted genetics or other recent non standard (not all white) colored
ancestors other than listed ancestors above - Distinct black coloring in the horns or the hooves which should be considered
white - Color other than pink on the nose and the lips
- More than a limited amount of light brown pigmentation on the eyelid margins
NOTES:
Sheep with Disqualifying traits are not eligible for registration and will be denied
registration. Excessive Discriminating traits of an individual sheep may render that
sheep ineligible for registration if, at the inspectors and board of directors discretion,
such traits seriously challenge the breed identity.
| THIS website is copyright May 2009 by United Horned Hair Sheep Association, Inc. Active Members of UHHSA are permitted to use information on their website to help in ethical and honest promotion and education about the breeds represented. However, a link to this website should be provided. Pictures are copyrighted by owners of the sheep pictured and permission will need to be sought to use the pictures. |
| TEXAS DALL SHEEP BREED STANDARDS |
| Measuring depth of the twist: Hand Placement is indicated by the horizontal red lines. The depth is the vertcal blue line |
| Homonymous (HH) Horns spiraling out like a corkscrew especially when viewed from side |
| Homonymous Webbed Horns (HW) |
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| Texas Dall's Nose Pads and Lips MUST be pink and muzzle must be white |
| Spots on the nose pad or lips or muzzle. This is a Disqualification from registration as a Texas Dall Sheep |
| Texas Dall Twin Lambs Ram and Ewe |
| White Horns are CORRECT |
| White Horns CORRECT Mature Texas Dall Ram Homonymous Horns |
| Triplets with Mom |
| Texas Dall Ewe Lamb Note the bright pink nose! |
| Note the Fawn Ear Tips on this Ewe Lamb which did not fade away as lamb matured This is a Disqualification from registration as a Texas Dall; however, the lamb could be registered as a Painted Desert Sheep Once either the Sire or Dam of the sheep is identified as a spot or nonstandard color producer, it is suggested to no longer use that Sire or Dam as Texas Dall Breeding Stock |
| Variegated Horns DISQUALIFICATION This ram also shows black coloring around the nose pad, muzzle, on lips, solid black eyelid margin, as well as coloring under the left eye. ALL of which are disqualifications for being registered as a Texas Dall. |
| Back Legs - Side View |
| This hoof is variegated in color and is a Disqualification from Registration as a Texas Dall Sheep |
| Front Legs - Front View |
| Front Legs - Side View |
| Correct |
| Correct |
| Gopher Ear Length |
| Correct |
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| Sickle-Hocked |
| Elf Ear Length |
| Postlegged |
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| Weak Pasterns |
| Natural Ear length |
| Calf Kneed |
| Ears will generally be at parallel to the ground or above. Sheep which naturally have ears below parallel to the ground are disqualified from registration |
| Buck Kneed |
| Toes Angled Inward Pigeon Toed |
| Toes Angled Outward Splayfooted |
| Bowlegged |
| ACCEPTABLE |
| Knock- Kneed |
| Too much coloring on eyelid margin and around eye. This is a Disqualification from registration |
| Weak Pasterns FAULT |
| ACCEPTABLE |
| Back Legs - Rear View |
| Correct |
| Normal Bite |
| Bowlegged |
| Underbite |
| General Anatomy |
| Overbite |
| Cow-Hocked |
| CORRECT Both Testicles Normal and even |
| DISQUALIFICATION (L) One testicle did not descend Unilateral Cryptorchidism (R) Both testicles did not descend Bilateral Cryptorchidism |
| FAULT Both testicles small sized but still functioning properly |
| FAULT One testicle smaller than the other |
| SCROTUM/TESTICLES |
| Tail Lengths |
| Tails with these lengths are Correct |
| Tails to the hocks are acceptable but considered a fault. Tails past the hocks (red horizontal line) Disqualification from Registration |
| Black Horns are a DISQUALIFICATION |
| Supracervical (SH) Heart Shaped Horns displayed by a Mouflon Ram |
| Polycerate Horns More than 2 horns Mature Ram on Left displays 4 separate horns Ram Lamb on Right has two separate horns and two fused horns Fused Horns are considered a FAULT |
| Texas Dall Horned Ewe |
| Click on picture above to learn how to measure and score your ram's horns |
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