The Current Show Scene

Although the society does not yet have a national breed show, there are opportunities to show Ouessants at various agricultural shows throughout the UK. 

Currently only Trawden Agricultural Show in Lancashire has dedicated Ouessant classes, but opportunities do arise at some smaller shows to compete in mixed primitive sheep classes alongside our native breeds such as the Hebridean, Shetland or Boreray, and if you have never shown sheep before this is a good place to start.  It is important however to check the description of the class in the schedule as these are often restricted to British native breeds only.  

There is a hierarchy of shows from very small one day agricultural shows to larger shows held over two or more days.  At the highest level are the larger county shows such as the Great Yorkshire Show, The Royal Cornwall Show or the Cheshire County Show.  The primitive classes in these shows are generally breed specific and for native British breeds only.

Ouessant sheep are eligible to compete in Any Other Continental classes, however though each breed is judged against its own breed standard, they are generally commercial breeds judged on their quality as larger meat sheep, so it is less likely that the judge would be knowledgeable in judging primitive breeds such as the Ouessant.

There are opportunities for showing fleeces too, either ‘wool on the hoof’ where the sheep itself is judged in the ring, or at some shows the shorn fleeces are judged.

Some members also attend shows non-competitively and display a few of their sheep along with Ouessant Sheep Society promotional material both to promote the breed and the society.  The society provides a free promotional pack for members wishing to do this.

Promotional Packs