American Classic Cheviot Sheep Association

American Classic Cheviot Sheep Standard

Overall Characteristics

            The Classic Cheviot is alert and active with a springy step and lively spirit.  Classic Cheviots are gentle and easily handled.  They are prolific breeders with strong maternal qualities. They will frequently twin and birth unassisted in most cases.  They are easy keepers, capable of grazing and foraging even on poor pasture.

Size

Classic Cheviots should be from 18-24” tall.  Most ewes fall into 19-23” range and most rams 22-24” range.  Any sheep 17-18” or 24-26” will be faulted but could still be useful in a well thought out breeding program.

Head and Face

Well covered with fine hair. Ears short to medium length; erect, set at an outward angle rather than fully upright. Arched profile in all sexes. Good width between eyes, broad muzzle, and wide, black nostrils. Eyes are large, bright and alert. Wool well up to back of cheeks, under throat, and to back of ears but not between.

Neck

Strong, well set in at shoulders and of medium length.

Breast

Deep and wide.

Body

The sheep should measure more in length than height.  Breast is deep and wide, ribs are well sprung ribs.  Back is straight with good width between shoulder blades.  Loin is long, wide, and deep.  Rump is broad and well muscled.  Skin is smooth. 

Legs

Well covered with fine hair below the knees and hocks. Short in proportion to length of body, set well apart and coming down straight from the four corners of the body, with strong flat bone and well defined hocks. Hooves, black, of good strength and pointing straight forward.

Tail

Tail is wool covered.  It is strongly recommended that tails be docked, leaving adequate length to provide coverage for anus and vulva. 

Udder/ Scrotum

            Well formed and symmetrical.  Udder has at least two teats.

Wool

Wool is of any color and is free from curl, hair, or kemp, dense and springy.  Desired staple length is 3-6 inches.  Sheep should be shown in full fleece.  Wool covers the body except below the knees and hocks and forward of the poll.  Legs and face are covered in short, lustrous hair. 

Points for grading

General Appearance – 20

Head – 20

Neck and Forequarters – 15

Body – 20

Hindquarters – 15

Fleece – 10

Disqualifications 

Sheep over 2 years of age that is under height standards

Aggressive temperament