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Diggers Hill Sheep

A Rare Breed of New Zealand Origin

Diggers Hill sheep (Photo by Karen Nicoll)

      Diggers Hill sheep are named after the locality in western Southland, just south-east of Lake Monowai, where the breed evolved in a feral state. They have, somewhat confusingly, also been referred to as “Takitimu”, “Dean Forest” and “Fiordlander”, but the term Diggers Hill is preferred and used here.

      They appear to be basically of Merino origin, but are distinct enough to be a recognizable breed, although there is some variation in type. They are also typical of New Zealand feral sheep – small body weight, less hair on the extremities, single lambing, and a tendency to shed their fine but chalky fleece.