Founded in 1891, the Dorset Horn Sheep Breeders' Association was created with a mission to promote Dorset Horn Sheep breeding globally and maintain the breed's integrity. The landscape shifted in the late 1950s with the introduction of hornless Dorset sheep from Australia, swiftly gaining favor in the UK. By 1974, the number of registered Poll Dorsets surpassed Dorset Horns, leading to a pivotal change in 1981: the association adopted a new name, becoming the Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset Sheep Breeders' Association.