The Coopworth is an easy care, productive sheep with a difference: selection for registry is based on production. Not all purebreds are eligible for registry with The Coopworth Sheep Society of North America.

Coopworths were developed in New Zealand during the 1950's and 1960's by crossing Romney ewes with Border Leicester rams. Under the direction of Professor I.E. Coop of Lincoln University, New Zealand, rigorous selection and culling resulted in animals that:

* perform well in a variety of environments * lamb unassisted - usually as twins * exhibit excellent mothering instincts * produce a high yielding, mild flavored carcass * shear a long lustrous fleece preferred by handspinners * show above average resistance to hoof rot

The Coopworth ewe has been selected for multiple births and for her ability to raise lambs with minimum management; a necessary trait in any flock. She lambs with little or no assistance and is a quiet, excellent mother. The lambs are unusually vigorous at birth and nurse quickly. They grow well under a variety of management approaches in both large and small flocks, especially those utilizing forage. Only the top 70% of a flock's ewe lamb crop can be registered each year. Any ewe that fails to conceive or encounters problems with lambing or nursing her young is deregistered. Non-registered purebreds are considered commercial Coopworths.

Coopworths are dual-purpose profitable animals excelling in the production of meat and wool. They are medium sized, with a long body, good loin and hindquarters. Adult ewes average 150-185 pounds. Lambing is easy, due to the wide pelvis, narrow head and lighter forequarter. The face is basically clean, with a small topknot or bare head, finished with a slight Roman nose. Occasional exceptions are not considered reason for disqualification.