Perendale Features

As with all breeds Perendales have particular features based on their development at Massey* in NZ. [*see History].Bear in mind that the Perendale has been bred to handle tough difficult conditions and to be able to survive without outside support therefore the breed displays as very alert, quick moving and intelligent. Excessive noise and dogging is really not necessary. Perendale ewes are fiercely protective of their lambs against all comers [including foxes] and regularly rear up to 140% to weaning with virtually no assistance.Perendale mothers are best left well alone whilst lambing.

Perendales are naturally worm resistant and require only one drench at eight months after which a mineral drench twice a year is sufficient. Crutching prior to lambing and shearing is all that is needed with very little in the way of 'dags'.All Perendales have black feet and there is no need for foot work to be undertaken.The major feature is the low input to achieve a high return being the goal set by Massey NZ many years ago when Perendales were first bred.

General Conformation:

• The sheep should be of reasonable body length with the withers higher that the shoulders.
• The shoulders should be well laid back so as to produce the correct angle in the pasterns and to avoid any ‘straightness’ in the front legs.
• Over the back the top view should be a wedge shape narrower in the shoulders and wider in the back end. Ease of Lambing!
• Rams should express masculinity and alertness and ewes that intelligence and female character found in outstanding sheep.
• Head covering should display an open face with a covering of fine white hair indicating a soft handling fleece. The nose should be slightly ‘roman’ with ‘prick’ ears set at 10 to 2. Black spots are permissible on the ears but not desirable.
• There should be no wool below the eyes and the crown should be covered with a ‘topknot’
• The neck should be strong and hold the head well up. This together with the high withers and setting of the shoulders enables freedom of movement – a most important feature.
• Feet should be black.
• Wool - [refer Wool Characteristics]

The Perendale has been developed over many years to the modern ‘dual purpose’ sheep we now hope to see being considered in farm enterprises across Australia.