What is a "Cheviot"?

The Cheviot is a breed of sheep that originated in the Cheviot Hills, a region spanning the border of Scotland and England. It is a medium-sized breed known for its distinctive appearance, characterized by a white face and legs, a long, dense fleece, and a compact body. Cheviot sheep are known for their hardiness, adaptability, and ability to thrive in harsh environments, including upland areas with rough grazing. They have a good meat quality, producing lean and flavorful meat, and their fleeces are valued for their high-quality wool, which is soft, dense, and resilient. Cheviot sheep are often used in crossbreeding programs to improve the performance of other sheep breeds, and they are also popular for showing and exhibition purposes. They have a calm and docile temperament, making them relatively easy to handle and manage. Cheviot sheep are raised for both meat and wool production and are commonly found in many countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.