The Babydoll Southdown is the original miniature Southdown preserved from the pre‑1950s type. The Modern Southdown is a later commercialized version created through size‑increasing selection and reinforced by large NZ imports from 1974 onward.
A Southdown used decades ago is not equivalent to the Modern Southdown of today.
Breeding a Modern Southdown down in size does not recreate a Babydoll Southdown — it produces a new miniature form of the modern breed, not the heritage miniature sheep
Tanjar breeds the original miniature Downs‑type phenotype. We do not use Modern Southdown genetics or attempt to reduce the modern commercial Southdown in size. Our sheep are developed from carefully selected foundation breeds chosen for their ability to express the traditional miniature Downs‑type structure, temperament, and fleece. This preserves the heritage miniature phenotype without relying on the modern commercial Southdown.
Miniature Babydoll Phenotype
A clear guide to what defines a true miniature Babydoll
What “Miniature” Really Means
A miniature Babydoll is a sheep that matures at a naturally smaller adult height while maintaining correct Babydoll proportions. Miniature size is heritable, predictable, and not the result of stunting, underfeeding, or dwarfism.
A Southdown used decades ago is not equivalent to the Modern Southdown of today.
Breeding a Modern Southdown down in size does not recreate a Babydoll Southdown — it produces a new miniature form of the modern breed, not the heritage miniature sheep
Tanjar breeds the original miniature Downs‑type phenotype. We do not use Modern Southdown genetics or attempt to reduce the modern commercial Southdown in size. Our sheep are developed from carefully selected foundation breeds chosen for their ability to express the traditional miniature Downs‑type structure, temperament, and fleece. This preserves the heritage miniature phenotype without relying on the modern commercial Southdown.
Miniature Babydoll Phenotype
A clear guide to what defines a true miniature Babydoll
What “Miniature” Really Means
A miniature Babydoll is a sheep that matures at a naturally smaller adult height while maintaining correct Babydoll proportions. Miniature size is heritable, predictable, and not the result of stunting, underfeeding, or dwarfism.
Correct Proportions — Not Just Small
They are balanced, structurally correct sheep with:
They are balanced, structurally correct sheep with:
- Normal leg length
- Balanced body shape
- Correct head and muzzle width
- Square stance and sound structure
- True Babydoll fleece and temperament
Miniature Breeding Focuses On
- Structural soundness
- Health and longevity
- Temperament
- Correct Babydoll type
- Preservation of genetics
This image is shown here to illustrate the size, structure, and modern presentation of Southdown sheep exhibited in Australia today. It provides a useful comparison for breeders and enthusiasts interested in understanding how the contemporary Southdown differs from the miniature Babydoll type.
See the leg difference between the handler's knee height
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Modern Southdown Type – Australian Sheep and Wool Show 2025
Photo courtesy of Southdown Australia (Facebook), taken at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show 2025 during judging for Southdown Group 1 Ram & 2 Ewes – Any Age (1st Chandpara, 2nd Lansdale, 3rd Fernhill). |
Miniature Babydoll Ram Lamb - Harvey Ag show 2026
Being inspected for Wool Quality Photo Used with Permission |
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This Photo was taken for Tanjar Little Bear for inclusion into the NABSSAR International registry
21 inches is equal to ➡️ 53.34 cm Bear was just above the 21 inches around the 54-55cm |