The Dorper breed was developed in South Africa in the 1930s and 40s using the Horned Dorset and Blackheaded Persian. Selection was made to produce top carcass characteristics and the ability to thrive under the harsh conditions. The first Dorpers were introduced into North America in 1995 from South Africa.

Hardy and Adaptable:

Dorpers are highly adaptable and do well in harsh, extensive conditions.

Excellent Maternal Qualities:

Ewes are excellent mothers and heavy milkers. Lambs are vigorous and have high survivability.

Long Breeding Season:

Dorpers are non-seasonal or have an extended breeding season. They can be easily managed to produce three lamb crops in two years.

Reproductive Efficiency:

Dorpers are very fertile and prolific. Lambing rates of 180% can be achieved per lambing. They are early maturing and will produce a lamb crop at one year of age.

Pre-potency:

Dorpers cross well with commercial ewes of other breeds and as terminal sires produce fast growing, muscular lambs.

Non-Selective Grazers:

Dorpers are excellent converters of a wide range of forage types and they excel in grazing operations.

Heat and Insect Tolerant:

Because of their Blackhead Persian origin, Dorpers have natural tolerance to high temperatures and heavy insect populations. They are productive in areas where other breeds barely survive.