Suffolk vs Hampshire
Suffolk or Hampshire? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Suffolk | Hampshire | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Meat | Meat |
| Origin | Suffolk, England | Hampshire, England |
| Mature weight | Ewes 180–250 lb | Ewes 200+ lb |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years | 10–12 years |
| Temperament | Calm | Calm |
| Best fit | Market lambs, show | Market lambs, show |
| Docility | ●●●●● Calm and easy | ●●●●● Calm |
| Hardiness | ●●●●● Needs good feed | ●●●●● Needs good feed |
| Fleece work | ●●●●● Annual shearing | ●●●●● Annual shearing |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Big, fast growers | ●●●●● Big, fast growers |
| Observed price | Not enough prices yet | Not enough prices yet |
How they differ
- Docility: about the same (4 of 5 each).
- Hardiness: about the same (3 of 5 each).
- Fleece work: about the same (3 of 5 each).
- Beginner fit: about the same (3 of 5 each).
The Suffolk
Suffolks come from England and are a large, fast-growing meat breed with a black face and legs. In the US they are the classic terminal sire for market lambs and show wethers, used across most commercial flocks.
Suffolks need more feed than smaller breeds, and ewes can have lambing trouble. Show lines can carry spider lamb syndrome, so ask about testing.
The Hampshire
Hampshires come from Hampshire, England, and are a large meat breed with a dark face and wool on the head and legs. They grow fast and are common as terminal sires and in youth market lamb shows.
Hampshires need good feed and can have lambing problems. Some lines carry spider lamb syndrome.
Questions
Is a Suffolk or a Hampshire better for a beginner?
Neither has the edge: both rate 3 of 5 for beginners in our Animal Library. Suffolk: Big, fast growers. Hampshire: Big, fast growers.
What is the main difference between a Suffolk and a Hampshire?
Suffolks need more feed than smaller breeds, and ewes can have lambing trouble. Show lines can carry spider lamb syndrome, so ask about testing. By contrast, hampshires need good feed and can have lambing problems. Some lines carry spider lamb syndrome.