Frequently asked questions
Miniature vs Dwarf SheepAre Babydoll Southdowns in Australia small because they are dwarfs?
No. The small stature of Australian Babydoll Southdowns is the result of long‑term selective breeding, not dwarfism. Babydolls in Australia do not carry a dwarf gene, and true dwarfism in sheep is considered rare within the country.
There is an important distinction between miniature sheep and dwarf sheep, and the two terms should not be used interchangeably.
Miniature Sheep
Definition: Breeds that are naturally small due to deliberate, multi‑generational selective breeding.
Examples: Babydoll Southdown, Ouessant, Harlequin Mini Meat, Mini Cheviot.
Size: Typically, 17–24 inches in height and 60–150 pounds in weight.
The Ouessant, the smallest recognized breed, averages 35–50 pounds.
Purpose: Favored for small‑scale farming, wool production, and as companion animals. Known for their docile nature and ease of handling.
Traits: Proportionally small, structurally sound, and normal in appearance.
Dwarf Sheep Definition:
Sheep exhibiting dwarfism, a genetic condition resulting in disproportionately
short limbs or other atypical features.
Cause: Arises from genetic mutations or developmental abnormalities, not from selective breeding.
Traits: May present structural irregularities or health concerns depending on the form of dwarfism.
Use: Not typically bred intentionally; most cases occur as isolated genetic anomalies.
Key Distinction Miniature sheep are small by breed standard and selective breeding, whereas dwarf sheep are small due to a genetic disorder. These are fundamentally different biological pathways.
Babydoll Southdowns in Australia are miniature sheep — not dwarf sheep.
Their size reflects careful selection, not the presence of a dwarfism gene.
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No. The small stature of Australian Babydoll Southdowns is the result of long‑term selective breeding, not dwarfism. Babydolls in Australia do not carry a dwarf gene, and true dwarfism in sheep is considered rare within the country.
There is an important distinction between miniature sheep and dwarf sheep, and the two terms should not be used interchangeably.
Miniature Sheep
Definition: Breeds that are naturally small due to deliberate, multi‑generational selective breeding.
Examples: Babydoll Southdown, Ouessant, Harlequin Mini Meat, Mini Cheviot.
Size: Typically, 17–24 inches in height and 60–150 pounds in weight.
The Ouessant, the smallest recognized breed, averages 35–50 pounds.
Purpose: Favored for small‑scale farming, wool production, and as companion animals. Known for their docile nature and ease of handling.
Traits: Proportionally small, structurally sound, and normal in appearance.
Dwarf Sheep Definition:
Sheep exhibiting dwarfism, a genetic condition resulting in disproportionately
short limbs or other atypical features.
Cause: Arises from genetic mutations or developmental abnormalities, not from selective breeding.
Traits: May present structural irregularities or health concerns depending on the form of dwarfism.
Use: Not typically bred intentionally; most cases occur as isolated genetic anomalies.
Key Distinction Miniature sheep are small by breed standard and selective breeding, whereas dwarf sheep are small due to a genetic disorder. These are fundamentally different biological pathways.
Babydoll Southdowns in Australia are miniature sheep — not dwarf sheep.
Their size reflects careful selection, not the presence of a dwarfism gene.
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2021 Ewe lamb
Coloured and Appendix ewes
Where did the Babydoll Southdown originate?The Babydoll Southdown is a British breed, originating in England, and is traditionally classified as a meat sheep.
Its fleece is recognized as Downs wool, known for its springy, medium‑grade fiber and excellent durability. |
What height should a Babydoll be?According to the current ASSBA Babydoll Breed Standard, the approved height range is 45–61 cm.
What do Babydoll sheep eat?Our flock grazes primarily on pasture grasses. During the summer months, when pasture quality declines, they are supplemented with local Western Australian sheep pellets and provided access to farm‑grown meadow hay via hay feeders. Why are Babydoll sheep used in vineyards and orchards?Babydolls are well suited to vineyard and orchard systems due to their short stature and compact body length, which limits their ability to browse high foliage. While they enjoy vine and orchard leaves, their height prevents them from reaching the productive canopy, making them an effective natural weed‑management option. What is the gestation length, and how many lambs can they have?Our flock demonstrates a gestation range of 142–152 days, with an average of 147 days. Babydoll ewes may produce single, twin, or triplet lambs, and occasional quadruplets have been recorded. What are Babydoll sheep used for?Babydolls are classified as a meat breed, originally developed to provide a substantial meat yield on a small, manageable sheep. Their docile nature and compact size have also made them popular for small farms and lifestyle properties. When do Babydoll ewes come into season?As a British breed, Babydolls are seasonal breeders, cycling when daylight hours decrease. In Australia, this typically occurs from March to September, with some variation between states. How do you determine if a ewe is pregnant?During the breeding season, rams are fitted with a mating‑mark harness containing coloured chalk. This identifies which ewes have been served and allows us to estimate lambing dates. Ewes cycle approximately every 17 days, so the crayon colour is changed at each cycle. Ewes that do not receive a new colour mark are considered pregnant. How do you measure their height?We use the Piccolo miniature horse measuring stick, which measures from 30 cm to 100 cm, providing accurate and consistent height assessments. Do Babydolls have horns?No. Babydoll Southdowns are naturally polled, although some individuals may develop small scurs. What is the lifespan of a Babydoll Southdown?Babydolls typically live 10–16 years. Wethers generally have the longest lifespan, followed by ewes, with rams tending to have the shortest. Do Babydoll sheep make good pets?Yes. Babydolls are known for their gentle temperament and strong affinity for human interaction. Babydoll lambs, in particular, make excellent pets for children and families. Do we have any American Babydoll bloodlines in Australia?No. Although the name “Babydoll” has been adopted in Australia, no American Babydoll genetics have ever been imported into the country.
Do we have any Olde English Babydoll bloodlines in Australia?No. The Olde English Babydoll is an American breed, and none of its genetics are present in Australian flocks. Do you breed Southdowns to Babydolls?No. Our stud flock is comprised exclusively of Babydoll‑registered stud sheep, and we do not cross Babydolls with Southdowns. 
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Do babydoll sheep eat vine leaves ?
Absolutely! All sheep love to eat the vine leaves ,The only difference between a babydoll and a Merino for example is the height and structure of a babydoll makes it difficult for them to graze the higher vines as they find it difficult to stand on their back legs to reach .They will of course stand on any structure you can give them that will help them reach thou.
Do wethers,ewes or rams make the best pets ?
Wethers (Desexed/Castrated males) makes the best pets , Ewes can be temperamental and Rams are not suitable as pets
If i run my ewe lambs with my ram could they get pregnant early ?
Yes ,They can mate and fall pregnant at 8 months ,To avoid early pregnancies we recommend separating all rams and or Ram lambs from your ewe lambs until they mature. Some Babydolls ewes can be quite small at 8 months old.
Why do some Babydolls look like their legs are not straight?
as an adult
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 as a Lamb
Do Babydoll Southdowns have knock knees?No. Babydoll Southdowns do not have a breed tendency toward knock knees. What is often perceived as “wonky” or inward‑turned front legs is typically the result of wool growth patterns, not structural fault. The wool over the knees and the wool that grows forward over the shoulders can create the visual impression of misalignment, particularly in unshorn sheep or young lambs with dense fleece. A clear example is seen in the ewe Tanjar Little Spice, photographed both as an unshorn lamb and later as a mature ewe after shearing. Once shorn, her legs appear significantly straighter and more widely set, demonstrating correct structure that was previously obscured by fleece. As she matured, her stance also broadened naturally, further confirming sound conformation. |
Why do Babydoll Southdowns look so different as they mature?Babydoll Southdown lambs often display features that differ noticeably from their adult appearance. Lambs are typically born with fluffy lower legs, which are frequently a mousy‑ginger colour. They may also exhibit varying amounts of beard, and some lambs are born with woolly faces and wool‑covered ears.
As Babydolls require annual shearing, their appearance changes significantly once the fleece is removed. The underlying structure becomes more visible, and many of the soft, juvenile wool characteristics seen in lambs disappear as they mature.
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As Babydolls require annual shearing, their appearance changes significantly once the fleece is removed. The underlying structure becomes more visible, and many of the soft, juvenile wool characteristics seen in lambs disappear as they mature.
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Do Babydoll Southdowns require shearing?Yes. Babydoll Southdowns require annual shearing, as they are not a self‑shedding breed. Their fleece is relatively short but must still be removed each year to maintain animal health, comfort, and wool quality.
In Western Australia, our flock is typically shorn between August and October, aligning with seasonal conditions and optimal fleece management.
In Western Australia, our flock is typically shorn between August and October, aligning with seasonal conditions and optimal fleece management.
What is Babydoll wool classed as?Babydoll Southdown wool is classified as Downs wool, a category known for its springy, resilient fibre and excellent durability. It is commonly utilized within the carpet and upholstery sectors due to its strength and resistance to felting.
Why do you shear your lambs’ faces?Babydoll lambs are well known for their charming woolly faces, which are a hallmark of the breed. However, during the summer months, this dense facial wool can trap grass seeds, particularly in Western Australia where seed burden is high.
To prevent eye irritation and potential injury, all of our lambs have their faces wigged (shorn) by our experienced New Zealand shearer. This simple management practice ensures that lambs do not accumulate grass seeds around their eyes and helps maintain their everyday health and safety.
While wigging may make the lambs appear slightly less fluffy for a short time, it is an essential welfare measure that protects them throughout the high‑risk season.
To prevent eye irritation and potential injury, all of our lambs have their faces wigged (shorn) by our experienced New Zealand shearer. This simple management practice ensures that lambs do not accumulate grass seeds around their eyes and helps maintain their everyday health and safety.
While wigging may make the lambs appear slightly less fluffy for a short time, it is an essential welfare measure that protects them throughout the high‑risk season.
Can Babydoll Southdowns become overweight?Yes. As an early‑maturing meat breed, Babydoll Southdowns can gain excess condition readily. Overweight sheep may exhibit paddling or an altered gait due to their short stature and the additional width carried through the body.
Ewes that become overly fat as hoggets may experience reduced fertility and an increased risk of lambing complications. These issues are preventable through appropriate weight and body‑condition management in both ewes and rams.
Maintaining animals within an optimal weight range supports sound mobility, reproductive performance, and overall flock health.
Ewes that become overly fat as hoggets may experience reduced fertility and an increased risk of lambing complications. These issues are preventable through appropriate weight and body‑condition management in both ewes and rams.
Maintaining animals within an optimal weight range supports sound mobility, reproductive performance, and overall flock health.
At Tanjar, we follow a comprehensive, year‑round management program to ensure the health, welfare, and traceability of our Babydoll Southdowns. The following outlines the routine care practices implemented across our flock.
Parasite ManagementOur sheep are managed under a rotational worming program, targeting seasonal parasites such as Barber’s Pole worm, alongside combination drenches that address other common gastrointestinal worms including scour worm, brown stomach worm, and tapeworms.
Vaccination ProgramAll lambs are vaccinated between 8–12 weeks of age with UltraVac 5‑in‑1, providing protection against the major clostridial diseases:
Shearing & External Parasite ControlAll stock are shorn once per year and treated with Extinosad and ClikZin as part of our external parasite management program.
Mineral SupplementationWe provide mineral drenches throughout the year to support adequate trace‑mineral intake across all age groups, from lambs to mature breeding stock. Mineral blocks are also available for ongoing maintenance.
At six months of age, all sheep receive selenium and cobalt sustained‑release pellets, supporting long‑term mineral balance.
Identification & Record KeepingIn accordance with the Western Australian Department of Agriculture requirements, all sheep are fitted with NLIS (National Livestock Identification System) tags.
Ovine Brucellosis AccreditationOur rams are Brucellosis Accredited, meaning they have tested negative for Brucella ovis, the bacterium responsible for ovine brucellosis—a disease that can cause infertility in rams.
We participate in the Ovine Brucellosis Accreditation Scheme (OBAS), accreditation number 605.
Our rams were blood‑tested in September 2023, with all animals returning negative results.
The next accreditation test is due October 2027.
Parasite ManagementOur sheep are managed under a rotational worming program, targeting seasonal parasites such as Barber’s Pole worm, alongside combination drenches that address other common gastrointestinal worms including scour worm, brown stomach worm, and tapeworms.
Vaccination ProgramAll lambs are vaccinated between 8–12 weeks of age with UltraVac 5‑in‑1, providing protection against the major clostridial diseases:
- enterotoxaemia (pulpy kidney)
- tetanus
- black disease
- malignant oedema (blackleg‑like disease)
- blackleg, including swelled head in rams
Shearing & External Parasite ControlAll stock are shorn once per year and treated with Extinosad and ClikZin as part of our external parasite management program.
Mineral SupplementationWe provide mineral drenches throughout the year to support adequate trace‑mineral intake across all age groups, from lambs to mature breeding stock. Mineral blocks are also available for ongoing maintenance.
At six months of age, all sheep receive selenium and cobalt sustained‑release pellets, supporting long‑term mineral balance.
Identification & Record KeepingIn accordance with the Western Australian Department of Agriculture requirements, all sheep are fitted with NLIS (National Livestock Identification System) tags.
- Tags are colour‑coded by year of birth.
- Females are tagged in the right ear, males in the left ear.
- Tags are electronic (readable) and compatible with handheld scanners for seamless integration into flock‑management systems.
Ovine Brucellosis AccreditationOur rams are Brucellosis Accredited, meaning they have tested negative for Brucella ovis, the bacterium responsible for ovine brucellosis—a disease that can cause infertility in rams.
We participate in the Ovine Brucellosis Accreditation Scheme (OBAS), accreditation number 605.
Our rams were blood‑tested in September 2023, with all animals returning negative results.
The next accreditation test is due October 2027.
Examples of what we look for when purchasing Purebred Breeding Stud Babydoll Rams and Ewes.
Below Photos are of Tanjar Jinto
Below Photos are of Tanjar Jinto
Note: Graded sheep may vary in type and may not display all desirable Babydoll traits; however, they remain valuable within an Appendix breeding program for progressing toward higher‑grade animals. Wethers that were castrated because they did not meet the required standard for Stud Rams often make excellent pets, offering the temperament and manageability the breed is known for.