Queen of the Hills

The most numerous sheep in the Yorkshire Dales is the Swaledale. In fact, they are the official symbol of the Yorkshire Dales. The breed takes its name from the Yorkshire Valley of Swaledale. They are related to Scottish Blackface and Rough Fell. It is not known when they became a distinct breed, but they have been around for a long time. They are a heritage breed.

Queen of the Hills

Swaledale rams

The Swaledale is a hill breed known for its hardiness and ability to raise lambs under harsh conditions. They are of medium build and are known for their curled horns (in both sexes) and unique face markings:  black faces with white around their noses and eyes. 

Hardy and productive

Lambs on the move

After about 4 years in the hills, Swaledale ewes are moved to the lowlands and bred to Bluefaced Leicester rams to produce "Mule" ewes. The Swaledale crossed with the Bluefaced Leicester is called the North of England Mule. Other Mules include the Scotch Mule (Scottish Blackface x Blueface Leicester) and Welsh Mule (Welsh Mountain x Blueface Leicester). 

Swaledale ram having a disagreement with a dog.

In the lowlands, Mule ewes are bred to meat-type rams like Texel or Suffolk to produce "store" lambs. It is necessary to maintain purebred flocks of Swaledales in order to produce Mules. Ditto with the Bluefaced Leicester. Mules, while not purebred, are one of the most common breeds of sheep in the UK. Profitability is what drives their popularity.

Swaledale ewes at the auction

Swaledales are raised mostly for meat. They produce an off-white wool that is rough and coarse (35-45 micron). If it is used, it is used for carpets, rugs, and insulation. Some ewes have bare bellies and shed part of their remaining fleece. Shearing is mostly for animal welfare purposes.  While Swaledale wool is of little value (only a few pence per kilo), it protects the animals from the harsh, exposed conditions of the Yorkshire Dales. Swaledale tails are long and fluffy, also protective in nature. It doesn't seem customary to dock tails of Swaledale lambs.

Long, fluffy tail of a Swaledale lamb

Swaledale ewe at the Great Yorkshire Show

Swaledale dryer ball (L) and soap (R)