Debouillet Sheep

Debouillet Sheep

The Debouillet sheep breed originated in 1920 in Tatum, New Mexico. This sheep breed is the product of crossbreeding the Rambouillet and the Delaine Merino breeds. Debouillet sheep are average sized and they typically have wooly legs and white faces.  

Why Raise Debouillets?

The Debouillet sheep breed can raise their lambs without any assistance and in all types of conditions – a trait which was a primary reason for the development of this breed. Debouillet possess a natural ability to flock and are quite gregarious – preferring to stay in a large group.  

Commonly used on farms who wish to produce wool, the Debouillet has earned favor with breeders due to its long, fine and high-quality wool fleece. The Debouillet is one of the most rare sheep breeds, but they are well suited to the climate and conditions in the Southwestern portion of the United States (where the breed was first developed).  

The rams of this breed could be either horned or polled but the Debouillet is primarily considered a “ewe breed” – valued for its wool and lamb production and the strong maternal instinct of its ewes.

Debouillet Sheep Breed Information

MATURE BODY WEIGHTRam: 220-275 lbs.
Ewe: 125-150 lbs.
AVERAGE FIBER DIAMETERMicron: 18-22
USDA Wool Grade: 64s-80s
GREASE FLEECE WEIGHTEwe: 9 1/2 – 14 lb
YIELD45-55%
STAPLE LENGTH3-5″

Photograph source: Who’s Who in U.S. Sheep Breeds(poster), American Sheep Industry Assn., Inc.; 6911 S. Yosemite St.  Suite 200; Englewood, CO 80112-1414