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Border Leicesters are a dual purpose breed producing both meat and wool.  They have an arched Roman nose and long erect ears which give them their stylish, distinctive look.  They only grow wool on their body with their heads and legs being free of wool.  Border Leicester wool falls in long, shining locks that are popular with hand spinners.  They also have a longer loin and leaner meat than many sheep of their size.  They can be shown in both white and natural colored varieties through the American Border Leicester Association (ABLA).

Border Leicester wool is long and lustrous with a spinning count from 40s to 50s (38-30 microns).  The ideal fleece falls in well defined “pencil” locks with purled tips ending in a small curl, usually measures 6-10 inches after a year’s growth.  Border Leicester wool is long enough that they can be sheared once a year or twice a year.  The clean head and legs makes them an easy-to-shear breed.  Ewes average 8-12 pounds of grease wool annually.  And it’s not all grease!  Border Leicester fleece often yields 70% wool after scouring, one of the highest of all.  (Credit to American Border Leicester Sheep Association)

Border Leicesters are generally calm and easy to handle while being very clever, and the rams have a surprising gentlemanly disposition.  Border Leicesters are good foragers and get along on less feed than many other breeds.  They are hardy and well muscled and the mothers are known for having easy births and excellent mothering skills.  They are generally shown with 3-5 months wool growth so the judge can accurately evaluate the fleece and are never combed, carded, or blocked but should appear neat and clean.