There are three categories under which Coloured Down sheep may be registered:
- PURE COLOURED DOWN SHEEP – Full Flock book status
- DEVELOPMENT COLOURED DOWN SHEEP – Registered sheep from any breed can enter this category. Upgrading can take place over five generations if all males from the upgrading are discarded from breeding and crossing only takes place with a registered pedigree Coloured Down ram. Please see the upgrading chart for reference.
- FLOCK BOOK OPENING – Coloured Down sheep that have had their registration lapse can be entered in the flock book upon passing inspection by a Trustee of the Association. Three generations must pass before the offspring qualify for full flock book status.
In order to be shown as Pedigree Coloured Down sheep animals must either be registered as Pure Coloured Down Sheep (Including foundation stock) which meet the breed characteristics, or registered as development stock of at least 87.5% pure Coloured Down breeding and meet the breed characteristics.
The Association reserves the right to disqualify any animal which does not meet breed criteria.