This Australian breed of sheep was named after the county of Polwarth, near Colac in Victoria, where it was first bred in the 1880s. Its name was made official in 1919. It is part Merino and part Lincoln, in a special combination. The Polwarth sheep has a strong constitution that means it can live comfortably in a wide range of climates. It carries a high level of wool that is of very good quality. It is also a good breed for producing lamb and mutton. The development of breeds like the Polwarth contributed to Australia’s success in providing wool both within the country and exported overseas.