Buyer question
How long do Oxford sheep live?
Our Animal Library gives the Oxford sheep a lifespan of 10–12 years.
Source: the Oxford sheep page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Oxford sheep in the Animal Library
The detail
Oxfords were developed in Oxfordshire, England, in the 1830s from Cotswold and Hampshire sheep. They are the largest of the Down breeds, with a brown face and wool topknot, and are used as terminal sires for heavy, fast-growing lambs.
- Hardiness
- 3 out of 5 (Needs good feed)
- Origin
- Oxfordshire, England
- Best fit
- Market lambs, show
- Temperament
- Docile
What to weigh
Oxfords are large and need good pasture and feed. Their size can make handling and lambing harder than with smaller breeds.