This breed originates from crossing local sheep kept in the departments (counties) of Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne and Sarthe in France with British mutton breeds (such as Kent, Leicester, Wensleydale). Its breeding society was founded in 1927, and its flock-book was started in 1938. The breed has good grazing behaviour and resistance to diseases, as well as they bear being kept also in fold well. This early maturing mutton breed is a seasonal breeder with good milk yield. The weight gain of lambs is particularly good. Their prolificacy ranges from 1.8 to 2.0. The breed is characterized by easy lambing. Their lamb rearing ability is excellent. Mature weights for ewes range from 80 to 95 kg, and ram weights vary from 100 to 130 kg.