well suited to the exposed regions in which they predominantly live, the swaledales are very hardy, thick coated, able bodied, and bold. the ewes make excellent mothers and are known for being able to rear lambs well, even in adverse conditions. they are of a medium build, with black faces marked with bright white around the nose and eyes, and both males and females grow curled horns, however the males horns are much larger. their coats are thick and very coarse, and are considered a uniform white or off-white colour. the wool they produce, although durable, resilient and usable for a number of applications, is worth very little, with the british wool marketing board paying approximately 40 pence per kilo of wool. the marketed fleece and fibre may contain kemp that is not white, so some yarns and prepared fibres from the swaledale are grey. the sheep are also known for their tender and good-flavoured lamb and mutton.