Usually the first of twins has nursed before the second one is born. This vigor is passed on in out crossing to other breeds. If the ewes are healthy, they will improve their production every year until they are about five years old when they reach a plateau that will last four or five years by which time production should be expected to diminish. The ewes are seasonal breeders, beginning to come into heat in late October. They will continue cycling until May if not bred, but seldom breed naturally during the summer.
Rams appear to be sexually active year round.
The lambs reach sexual maturity early, ewes commonly lambing at 11-12 months of age. The ram lambs can start breeding at 7-8 months of age. Triplets are fairly common. The ewes are good milkers and were milked for human consumption through the centuries up to the middle of this century. The most eye-catching aspect of these sheep is the incredible variation of colors in the breed.