[McFox]

Hi, gang!
I'm new, and got here searching on sheep breeds. Great site!!
Anyway, my name is Amy, and my husband and I are building our new house on 20 acres of former Hereford pasture in Washington State. We are realizing that we are going to need some animals to keep the vegetation under control. We have our eye on a milk cow, chickens and sheep.
We are wondering what sheep are easiest (since we also have 3 kids under 5) according to the experienced among you, and make good lawnmowers without being too huge?? We were looking into Corriedales, 'cuz we think they're cute, but they're looking awfully big. Does size have anything to do with how manageable they are? Would we need a sheep dog, too? Any thoughts are welcome. Thanks so much for being the voices of experience, here.
Mucklingmom

The only way to go is hair sheep. Katahdin females and percentage Dorper Ram. You won't have to worry about shearing them [wool is worthless unless you spin] they are small and gentle, efficient grazers. They are inexpensive and are great to eat and sell for freezor lamb.

 

[McFox]

I'm sorry - I'm unfamiliar with the term "bum" as it relates to sheep. Could you enlighten me on the meaning, please?
Thanks.
I'm really enjoying the answers I'm getting so far. Hair sheep look to be just what we're looking for, except hubby says that part of the "fun" of sheep is getting to use the wool somehow. Southdowns ARE really cute. They look like something out of a Jane Austen movie. It's fun to put all your answers into the mix of stuff we're considering.
Amy

Stay with hairsheep, you can buy alllthe wool you want cheaper than you can produce it.