It nearly became extinct in the 1970s, but has now recovered through efforts of dedicated breeders and the help of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
The Portland is a small sheep, with a cream fleece and golden tan face and legs.
[4] Lambs are born with a foxy-red coat which changes in the first few months to a creamy white.
The meat has a more complex flavour than most commercial breeds, highly prized since the time of George III.
of 50's–60's down-quality wool with a staple length of 6–9 cm (2.5–3.5 in), which is suitable for hosiery and hand-knitting yarns.