Bluefaced Leicester

The Birth of the Bluefaced Leicester Breed (BFLU)

Finally, in the late 1800s and into the early 1900s, the Bluefaced Leicester breed came into being.

It was primarily from the “Old” Border Leicester stock that the Bluefaced Leicester was created. Border Leicester individuals with darker skin pigment and finer fleece were selected, and these became the base for the new breed. Also, the white-fleeced, blue-skinned Wensleydale was likely used in the early development of the Bluefaced Leicester.

The Bluefaced Leicester was originally created as a “crossing breed.” Its primary job was to produce high-quality crossbred ewes from the native draft or Hill breed ewes. It was discovered that a darker skinned ram, with a finer wool produced a better crossbred ewe from these Hill ewes.

This first generation cross is traditionally called the “Mule.” Some of the most popular breeds used for the production of Mule ewes in the UK are the Scottish Blackface, Swaledale, Beulah, Welsh Mountain, Cheviot, and Clun Forest.

From its original home in the Northern Pennines, the Bluefaced Leicester spread throughout England, Scotland, and Wales, and into Northern Ireland. It eventually replaced the Teeswater breed as the “premier crossing sire.” At one time the Bluefaced Leicester was called “The Great Improver,” following in the footsteps of its ancestor, the Dishley Leicester.

Dedicated breeders in the United Kingdom eventually came together and organized The Bluefaced Leicester Sheep Breeders’ Association. They published their first national flock book in 1964, beginning with sheep registered in 1963.

Today, the Bluefaced Leicester is fundamental in the 3-tier breeding system. It produces the majority of commercial ewes in the UK, and therefore maintains significant economic importance.

(Credit for text to Bluefaced Leicester Union - visit their website for more information)

Breed Description (BLSBA)

Bluefaced Leicester sheep should have a broad muzzle, good mouth and a tendency towards a roman nose, bright alert eyes and long erect ears. The colour of the head skin should be dark blue showing through white hair. There should be a good length of neck laid into broad shoulders with a good spring of rib and a long strong back with no weakness behind the shoulder. The hindquarters should be broad and deep, the legs well positioned and strong boned. It is important that the wool be tightly purled, fine and open cleanly to the skin.

(Credit for text to Bluefaced Leicester Sheep Breeders Assocaition - visit their website for more information)