Ram QUALITIES
Head |
Masculine, of moderate size, narrowing towards the nose. Full in shape, especially the forehead and under the eyes. A good width between the horns (two or three finger’s length). Nostrils should be black and not too wide. No wool on forehead or cheeks. Should be a moderate length between the eye and nose with a deep strong jaw. |
Teeth |
Wide, not too long, and sound. |
Ears |
Moderate thickness and length, tilted up (in the style of a horse’s ear). |
Eyes |
Large and lively, good width between, not too close to the horn. |
Horns |
Good width between the two horns that do not rise straight up and come down but they have a good, clear curve. Of moderate size and lightweight, the aim should be to have a yellow colour as much as possible. While horned rams are approved, a good ram should not be rejected because it is polled. |
Throat |
Moderate size, strong that blends well into the chest. |
Shoulder |
Round, full, strong and blends well to the rear. No weakness behind the shoulder that carries well from the nape. |
Breast |
Wide, deep and long; good continuation. |
Back |
Strong, short but carries well from the shoulder to the loin; flat and full. |
Rib |
Deep bow and enough to ensure plenty of girth around the heart. |
Loin |
Broad, full and strong, short of the rib to the top of the thigh. |
Rump |
Wide, with a good length from its hip to the tail base, and to carry well. |
Tail |
Full, a little below the hock, full and rounded at the base of the tail. Rough wool (blending well into the rump). |
Hip |
Wide, to come down well to the hocks with rough wool. |
Belly |
Wide, and woolly. Scrotum not carried too low nor split. |
Bone |
Moderate with good flexibility in the leg, wide and flat (like a horse’s). |
Feet |
Black nails, hard hoof and wide sole. |
Skin |
Pink. |
Leg |
Moderate length to the joint and no wool on the legs below the joint. |
Colour |
Yellow, cream-coloured or golden and white spots. |
Wool |
Thick, strong fleece with good length. White in colour but should not be penalised for having colour on neck or tail. |
Appearance |
Resilient and solid with a light and lively walk holding head up well. |