Despite its popularity in the early 1900s, today the traditional Shropshire sheep is considered a rare breed in most countries. However, the modern Shropshire is rising in popularity as a show sheep, especially in the Midwestern US. Its gentle nature and medium size make it very popular with 4-H exhibitors. The mature weights for modern Shropshire rams are between 225 and 250 pounds and between 150 and 180 pounds for the females. The long-legged, long-necked modern American Shropshire bears little resemblance to the breed type and character of the heritage-type Shropshire sheep.