This breed was developed in the 19th century in the grass-rich coastal region between Northern Germany and the English Channel. It has been a distinct breed since 1892. It has been under production control since 1926. They like good grazing lands, humid climate and small flock husbandry. It is an intensive breed requiring great care. In Hungary they are maladjusted to the arid climate, poor grazing lands and large flock husbandry conditions. They have rapid development and can be lambed by the age of 1 year. This breed is considered to be the world’s highest producing dairy sheep. In Germany, after the lambs are weaned at 4 to 8 weeks old, the East Friesian produces 500-700 kg, in good stocks 1200 kg of milk over a 260-day lactation. They are an excellent crossing breed to improve milk yield, to breed other dairy sheep and to develop intensive dairy stocks. Their prolificacy ranges from 2.2 to 2.5. They raise their 2 to 3 lambs safely. Mature weights for ewes range from 70 to 90 kg, and ram weights vary from 100 to 120 kg.