The Blue-faced Leicester (or Hexham Leicester), an English Longwool type, was developed from Robert Bakewell’s Dishley Leicester. Foundation animals were selected for performance, dark blue facial skin and finer fleeces. In the UK, BFL rams are frequently bred to hill breed ewes to produce ‘mules’ which make up 46% of the UK commercial ewe population. Mules inherit prolificacy, milking ability, body length and fleece quality from the BFL, making it one of the finest commercial ewes available. When crossed with a terminal sire, mules produce fast growing, efficient lambs. In North America, the North Country Cheviot, Scottish Blackface, Clun Forest and Shetland are commonly crossed with the BFL to produce mules. The BFL fleece is popular with hand spinners because of its fineness, luster and length of staple.

Ram Weight: 110-125 kg

Ewe Weight: 80-90 kg

Lambing Percentage: 235%

Fleece: Fine and Tightly Rippled