I agree with Yorkshire Lass, if we kept all the rare and primitive breeds as pets and lawnmowers the breeds would soon die out, I keep Boreray which are on the critical list and know that any wethers will have to go for meat as I can't afford to keep them all and we need to create a demand for rare breed lamb or mutton.
I know there is a young lad of 22 who keeps Hebridean Sheep and has made a good business in providing meat to the fancy resturants around his area. That must be a good thing for the rare breeds.
However,
I do have to admit I have one wether who is not going anywhere as he is such a darling, he comes when I whistle and the others follow plus he is a companion for my tup.