Shetland-Cheviot sheep are the result of a North Country
Cheviot ram bred with a Shetland ewe. The hybrid vigor produced from the
crossing the two pure breeds ensures that the Shetland-Cheviot retains the
features of both. They are hardy, thrifty, and milky with their sire's
excellent conformation.
Following the realization that a small ewe crossed with a
large, fast growing sire could produce prime lamb very efficiently, producers
outside Shetland turned to the breed, which has spread into the Orkneys,
Caithness, and down through Scotland. The Shetland-Cheviot's main purpose is to
produce quality lamb when put to a suitable ram, usually a terminal sire.