Buyer question
How long do Dorper sheep live?
Our Animal Library gives the Dorper sheep a lifespan of 10–12 years.
Source: the Dorper sheep page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Dorper sheep in the Animal Library
The detail
Dorpers were developed in South Africa by crossing Dorset Horn with Blackhead Persian sheep. They are hardy, fast-growing hair sheep that shed their coat, so there is no shearing, which makes them popular for meat flocks.
- Hardiness
- 4 out of 5 (Heat and dry hardy)
- Origin
- South Africa
- Best fit
- Meat flocks, low input
- Temperament
- Calm, hardy
What to weigh
Some Dorpers do not shed cleanly and may need occasional shearing. They are less parasite-resistant than Katahdins in wet climates.