Background
The Dohne is a dual-purpose breed developed by the South African Department of Agriculture using Peppin-type Merino ewes and German Mutton Merino sires. The progeny were interbred and selected for high fertility, rapid lamb growth rate and fine wool under commercial pastoral conditions.

The breeding program was initiated in 1939 and the breed society formed in 1966. Since 1970 selection in South Africa has been done with the aid of performance, progeny attesting and a computerised flock-recording scheme.

The introduction of the Dohne into Australia in 1998 continued the united approach to breeding initiated in South Africa. The Australian Dohne Breeders Association (ADBA) was formed in October 2000 and provides strong and democratic grass roots involvement in breeding, education and promotion.

The Dohne has proven itself to be most adaptable under a wide range of environmental conditions. A demand for these dual-purpose breeds has been stimulated by both economic and environmental circumstances.

The Dohne today is a well-balanced dual-purpose breed that allows the commercial producer to market a quality heavyweight lamb and fine-medium white wool.