The Cheviot

  • A Cheviot Sheep standing in a grassy field with rolling hills in the background

The Cheviot takes its name from the Cheviot Hills on the English-Scottish border, where it was first recorded in the 14th century. Compact, upright, and full of character, it is distinguished by its clean white face, black nose, and distinctive upright ears. The breed was developed to withstand exposed hill conditions, combining thriftiness with hardiness. The Cheviot produces a fine, crisp fleece with excellent resilience, particularly suited to tweeds, blankets, and outerwear. Its adaptability has seen it spread throughout Britain and overseas, becoming a foundation breed in North America and Australasia.

Region

England–Scotland Border (Cheviot Hills)

Wool Characteristics

  • Texture

    Fine, crisp, and resilient with a firm handle.

  • Colour

    White, free from kemp and coloured fibres.

  • Quality

    Stronger than fine wools but with excellent bounce, highly resistant to wear.

  • Uses

    Tweeds, blankets, outerwear, carpets, and hand-spinning.

Distinctive Qualities

* Clean white face, black nose, and upright ears giving an alert look.
* Hardy and thrifty, thriving in exposed upland environments.
* Dense fleece of fine, crisp wool, highly valued for tweeds and durable textiles.
* One of the oldest recorded hill breeds in Britain, with global influence.

Summary

The Cheviot is a true hill breed: hardy, agile, and full of character. Its crisp fleece has long been prized for tweeds and outerwear. With its distinctive appearance and resilience, the Cheviot remains an enduring symbol of the uplands and an important contributor to sheep farming both in Britain and abroad.

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