Dartmoor sheep tend to fall into 3 breeds;

Dartmoor Scotch Blackface

The Scottish Blackface is the most common breed of domestic sheep in the United Kingdom.  This tough and adaptable breed is often found in the more exposed locations, such as the Scottish Highlands or roaming on the moors of Dartmoor.

It is also known as Blackfaced Highland, Kerry, Linton, Scottish Mountain, Scottish Highland, Scotch Blackface and Scotch Horn.  Blackfaces are horned in both sexes, and as their name suggests, they usually have a black face (but sometimes with white markings), and black legs.

Dartmoor Whiteface

The White Faced Dartmoor is believed to be one of England’s most ancient breeds, and was probably originally not entirely confined to Dartmoor but spread over the greater part of West Somerset and Devon. However, as more land became enclosed, the breed was finally driven back to Dartmoor, where it became firmly rooted, and continues to flourish as one of Devon’s premier native breeds. The Whiteface are a traditional hill sheep. It is hardy and can thrive on more traditional less intensive land. They have evolved on the hills of Dartmoor, grazing heather during the summer and the valley hay meadows during winter and spring. The majority of flocks still live and thrive on the moor to this day.

Dartmoor Greyface

The Greyface Dartmoor is also known as the Dartmoor or "Improved" Dartmoor. Attractive, quiet and easily handled the Dartmoor have their enthusiasts throughout the country and provide a natural focal point whenever they appear.

Descended from the local breeds, which grazed the low ground in and around Dartmoor, they have immense strength of constitution developed through withstanding the severe winters and exposed conditions, which exist around the Moor. Improvements were carried out during the 19th century using the local Longwools (Notts) and the Leicester.