Guide to Sheep Breeds

(Page 7 of 11)

September/October 2008
Janet Wallace 
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Katahdin Hair Sheep International
P.O. Box 778
Fayetteville, AR 72702-0778
479-444-8441
khsint@earthlink.net

RELATED CONTENT

Leicester Longwool 

Size: medium to large
Appearance: long forelock, wool on legs; usually white, but sometimes black or silver
Fleece: heavy fleece (up to 20 pounds) of silky lustrous fleece; long locks with an average crimp
Breeding: seasonal
Lambing rate: 120-150 percent
Behavior: strong maternal instinct
Use: meat (large), wool for handspinners
Origin: England
Environment: widely adaptable; hardy
ALBC rating: threatened

The Leicester Longwool was developed in England in the 18th century, but it also has a long history in the United States. It was once a common breed; both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson imported Leicesters, which have large high-quality carcasses, to improve their flocks. By the early 1900s, however, the breed was almost extinct in North America. A renewed interest has led to an increase in the number of Leicesters, although it remains a threatened breed.

Leicester Longwool Sheep Breeders Association
Rt. 1, Box 172B
Albright, WV 26519
304-379-9100
  

Navajo-Churro 

Size: small
Appearance: various colors and patterns; may be white, black, gray or brown
Horns: both sexes; rams often have four
Fleece: double-coated; long hair outer coat and a fine-wool inner fleece
Breeding: year-round
Lambing rate: often twins or even triplets
Behavior: protective mothers
Use: lean meat, fleece
Origin: United States (from the Spanish Churra)
Environment: adapted to wide range of habitats, but especially hot, dry regions
ALBC rating: threatened

Starting in the late 1400s, Spanish explorers brought the Churra sheep to North America. Over centuries, the Navajo Nation developed the Navajo-Churro breed. The hardy sheep are fairly disease-resistant and more productive than many other older breeds. The long fleece is used in traditional Navajo weaving, and the lean, flavorful meat is included in Slow Food USA’s Ark of Taste.

Navajo Churro Sheep Association
P.O. Box 135
Hoehne, CO 81046
churrosheep@mac.com 

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