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Breed Standard of Excellence
Dorpers are classified internationally to a Breed Standard by accredited inspectors. To obtain the qualifications you need to pass three one week duration theory and practical exams (usually held in South
Africa). This will allow you to become a show judge. Then, if you prove to be a competent judge you can, after a few years, be invited to become an inspector.
Simply the grading for Dorper sheep is
Type 5 - Elite Stud
Type 4 - Stud
Type 3 - Commercial Grade S1
Type 2 - Commercial Grade S2
Type 1 - Cull
The Standard can be used to assist Dorper "owners" assess the qualities of their animals where there is little opportunity for competitions.
It also gives buyers a measurement by which to judge the cost and quality of the animals on offer. We suggest that before you buy you always ask if the animals you are looking at have been classified by an
approved/authorised inspector. Refer to the section WARNING.
Each Component e.g. 1-5 is assessed out of 5.(See table below)
This formula allows you to assess a number of characteristics and rank your results. Characteristics assessed include, Head, Fore-Quarters and Neck, Barrel, Hind-Quarters, Udder and Sex Organs, General Appearance,
Size and Growth Rate, Fat Distribution, Colour Patterns, Fleece and Conformity to Type.
1. Conformation Symbol B
Head
Strong and long head
Large eyes widely spaced, protectively placed.
Strong nose, strong well-shaped mouth
Well-fitted deep jaws
Forehead not dished
Size of ears in relation to head
Developed horn base or small horns
Dull black/white hair on head
Head dry ie no fat
Fore-quarter and neck
Neck of medium length well fleshed and well coupled to the forequarters
Shoulders firm broad and strong
Chest deep and wide and may slant slightly upwards
Brisket not too prominent
Forelegs strong, straight and well-placed with strong pasterns
Hoofs not too widely split
Barrel
Long, deep, wide body
Ribs well sprung, loin broad and full
Long straight back. Slight dip behind shoulders OK. Not sway backed
Hind-quarters
Long, wide rump
Inner and outer twist well fleshed and deep in adults
Hind legs strong, well placed strong feet and sturdy pasterns
Strong hocks no turn-in or turn-out Sickle or perpendicular hocks undesirable.
Udder and Sex organs
Well developed udder and sex organs essential
Ram scrotum not too long
Testicles of equal size, not too small
General Appearance
2 Size and growth rate Symbol G
3 Distribution of fat Symbol D
4 Colour patterns Symbol P
Black headed Black confined to head and neck
Dorpers Limited black spots on body and legs OK
Entirely white or black not permissible
Brown hair around eyes, white teats, white under tail,
White hoofs undesirable
5 Cover or fleece Symbol H
B G D P H TYPE
MINIMUM POINTS
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4
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5
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5
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3
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3
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TYPE 5
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5
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4
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5
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3
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3
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TYPE 5
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5
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5
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4
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3
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3
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TYPE 5
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4
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4
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4
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3
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3
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TYPE 4
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3
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3
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3
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2
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2
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TYPE 3 – S1
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2
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2
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2
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2
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2
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TYPE 2 – S2
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