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CHARMOISE HILL SHEEP SOCIETY
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HIS The Charmoise is a genuine hill breed – the first to be imported to Britain from the continent. The breed was formed in France in the late 18th century by the introduction of Kent rams from England, which were crossed on the indigenous hill and mountain breeds to give them a better back end and shape. It’s
influence on the modern sheep industry is considerable, as its good confirmation
meant that when its ewes were crossed to a traditional Leicester ram it produced
the fore-runners of several influential breeds, including the modern Charollais
and Rouge, and after further out-crossing to long-wooled breeds, the Bleu du
Maine. It
is found in the rougher hill areas of France today where it is bred pure to
produce a high quality small lamb. In
France it is the only top confirmation breed to be classified as ‘race
rustique’ (hardy breed). The Charmoise’s continually win the Paris Show primestock classes.
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