Which purebred association do I use?
This is a tricky topic to cover as it is largely based upon personal preference and your purebred flock goals. Some will feel strongly as to which they support or do not support. However, I wanted to add this topic into my FAQ because it is a frequent question I get asked and also an important one as we preserve the purebred breed. I will do my best to cover this topic matter of factly. I do not have the lengthy history and attachment that some breeders will have to a particular registry. As a relatively new breeder, I felt I was able to take a step back, compare registries without any bias, and choose which one gave the most value and stability for myself and my customers.
Olde English Babydoll Southdown Registry (OE) is the original registry and is ran as a small business. It was started by a man by the name of Robert Mock in the 1980’s who found the last remaining flocks and created a purebred registry and developed a market for these little sheep. Mock has since passed on and the registry was then run by his family. Due to unknown circumstances and/or challenges, the family struggled to keep up with registry duties and was sold off to Sandra Self. OE operates on a paper trail and does not utilize an electronic database. The registration papers provided do not give the 5 generation pedigree and breeders are responsible for tracking that themselves. As a Canadian, all funds must be sent via US money order. OE will register all colours including off white, black, and spotted sheep.
North American Babydoll Southdown Sheep Association and Registry (NABSSAR) was developed by a group of Babydoll breeders who felt the OE did not fill their needs as it currently was and believed that a purebred registry should not be operated as a business venture. NABSSAR is a non profit organization that operates under a board of directors and utilizes the Associated Registry for their operations. They utilize an electronic database where you can also search up any breeder or sheep in the system. Papers come with the 5 generation pedigree printed on it. Funds can be transferred using Paypal or credit card in addition to US money order. There is also an online submission process for photos needed for paperwork. One of the goals of NABSSAR was to have quick turn around for lamb registration which was a need when showing purebred Babydolls. This registry accepts off white and black sheep but does not accept spotted.
The Babydoll Southdown Sheep Breeders Association (BSSBA) was founded by a group of individuals when the OE was encountering challenges and disruptions in their operations. There was lack of communication between OE and members during this time and the future of the OE was uncertain. Members felt the future of this breed was at risk. For those that felt NABSSAR did not meet their needs, the BSSBA was then developed and they also utilize the Associated Registry for their operations. The 5 generation pedigree is listed on the papers, they accept credit card or money order, photos can be submitted electronically, and they accept all colors including off white, black, and spotted. Lambs can be both registered and transferred at the same time which saves the buyer from having to do additional paperwork.
The Babydoll Sheep Registry Association (BSRA) is the newest registry founded in 2022. When BSSBA was quickly set up at a time of uncertainty with the OE and in an attempt to save the breed, the structure was not set up correctly. The two founding members of BSSBA had disagreements that could not be solved and the decision to part ways was made and thus the BSRA was created and also utilizes the Associated Registry for operations.. It was a personal decision of members as to whether they continued with BSSBA or followed over to BSRA. The BSRA offers a 5 generation pedigree papers, accept credit card or money order, photos can be submitted electronically, and accept all colors including off white, black, and spotted.
The above is written from my perspective and experience. Registrations are always evolving and changing and this information may not be the most current. I encourage you to do your own research and make your own decisions as to which registry best suits your needs and your flock goals. A great way to do this would also be to become a member of the registry you are interested in and you will then receive their emails and support which can help you decide.
I utilize the NABSSAR registry as my primary registry. At the time of establishing my flock, I felt they offered me the most value and aligned with my flock goals. My foundation flock was originally all with OE however I felt that the ease of doing business with them deterred me from continuing on with them. My flock is also dual registered with BSSBA and BSRA and I can offer those papers as an option for buyers at an additional cost.
