[2] They introduced new technologies in quantitative genetics, reproductive physiology, nutrition and housing that allowed them to select for the traits they wanted to be expressed in the breed.
The breed is genetically 40% Finnish Landrace, 20% Suffolk, 14% East Friesian, 9% Shropshire and 8% Dorset Horn; the remaining 9% is Border Leicester, North Country Cheviot, Romnelet and Corriedale.
[2] The Rideau Arcott has been selectively bred for higher fertility, multiple births, milk production and growth rate.
[5] Rideaus exhibit strong maternal traits, making them a popular choice for crossbreeding as they typically produce twins or triplets.
[5] Crossbreeding with Rideau rams is said to quickly increase lambing rates to 180 percent or more.