Champion Versatility that Works

The Dalesbred ewe is one of the most adaptable crossing females in the UK hill and upland sector. Renowned for her hardiness, mothering ability and longevity, she is widely used to produce highly functional crossbred sheep suited to a range of commercial systems.

From hill to lowland, Dalesbred crosses deliver performance, resilience and consistency.

Why Cross with the Dalesbred?

Dalesbred Mule Sheep - Dales Mules 
Exceptional maternal strength

Dalesbred ewes pass on strong mothering instincts, good milk yield and calm temperaments, producing daughters that are easy to manage and reliable in the field.

Hardiness and longevity

Bred to thrive in challenging upland conditions, Dalesbred crosses retain resilience, sound feet and structural strength.

Adaptability across systems

Suitable for hill, upland and lowland enterprises, Dalesbred crosses perform well under a wide range of management styles.

Efficient, productive offspring

Crossbred lambs grow efficiently, finish well and are well suited to modern commercial demands.

A Dalesbred sheep with a Texdale ewe, a Masham Ewe and a Masham Ewe
Dalesbred Mules, Dales Mules

The Dales Mule

(Dalesbred × Bluefaced Leicester)

  • Produces a highly regarded commercial ewe with excellent maternal ability

  • Strong milk, prolificacy and longevity

  • Well suited to upland and lowland systems as a breeding ewe

A Masham ewe

The Masham

(Dalesbred × Teeswater)

  • A traditional cross valued for size, frame and strong maternal traits

  • Produces versatile ewes suitable for breeding or finishing systems

  • Known for longevity and adaptability across varied environments

Texdale ewe

The Texdale

(Dalesbred × Texel)

  • Combines the hardiness of the Dalesbred with Texel carcase traits

  • Produces lambs with excellent shape and finishing potential

  • Ideal for systems focused on terminal performance with robustness

The Dalesbred Sheep Breeders Association continues to promote the Dalesbred as a foundation ewe that adds value wherever she is used. Her influence can be seen across some of the most trusted crossbred sheep in the country.

  • “We’ve crossed Dalesbred ewes for years now and they just work. They’re hardy, rear strong lambs, and they last. Whether it’s Dales Mules or Texdales, the daughters make cracking mothers and the lambs grow on without fuss. They earn their keep and don’t ask for much in return.”

    M Brown - Highwoodale Farm

  • “The Dalesbred cross ewes are as reliable as they come. They hold condition, lamb easily, and rear good lambs year after year. We’ve tried plenty of crosses over time, but the Dalesbred consistently gives us ewes that last and fit our farm.”

    B Roebuck - Fountains Earth