Navajo Churro Sheep

Navajo Churro Sheep

Navajo-Churro history shows that the Spanish first brought these sheep to the United States in 1514. They are believed to be the first sheep breed in North American that was domesticated. The Navajo-Churro sheep breed was commonly found on the ranches and villages of the Spanish by the Rio Grande. The Navajo Indians raised the Navajo-Churro in areas such as Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Why Raise Navajo-Churro Sheep?

These sheep have the ability to adapt to a variety of climates.

Both the ewes and rams can have horns; though it is more typical for rams to have up to four large horns while ewes have much smaller varieties.

A Navajo-Churro Sheep

The Navajo-Churro ewe breeding cycle takes place out of season and they can give birth easily, as well as perform multiple births. The ewes are excellent at raising lambs, and are considered to be quite protective of their young.

These sheep have long outer coats and fine inner fleece. The colors of the fleece come in brown, black, white, or gray. They are often used in wool production and the fleece of Navajo-Churro are sought after by hand spinners.

Navajo-Churro Breed Information

Navajo-Churro Sheep Breed Information
MATURE BODY WEIGHTRam: 120-175 lbs.
Ewe: 85-120 lbs.
AVERAGE FIBER DIAMETERMicron:
Undercoat: 22-24
Outercoat: 37-47

USDA Wool Grade:
Undercoat: 60’s-62’s
Outercoat: 36’s-40’s
GREASE FLEECE WEIGHTEwe: 4-8 lbs.
YIELD60-65%
STAPLE LENGTHUndercoat: 5 1/2 – 6″
Outercoat: 8-14″

To learn more about the breed or to locate a breeder near you, visit the Navajo-Churro Sheep Association website.