Navajo-Churro: Wool Educational Material for the Clothing Industry

Minor Breeds: Navajo-Churro

MATURE BODY WEIGHT

Ram 120-175 lb.
Ewe 85-120 lb.

AVERAGE fiber DIAMETER

Micron
Undercoat 22-24
Outercoat 37-47
Spinning Count
Undercoat 62-60
Outercoat 40-36+

GREASE FLEECE WEIGHT

Ewe 4-8 lb.

YIELD

60-65%

STAPLE LENGTH

Undercoat 5 1/2 - 6"
Outercoat 8-14"

The Navajo-Churro sheep was developed in the U.S. by the Navajo Indians in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. Originating from the Spanish Churro, the first type of domestic sheep in North America, the Navajo-Churro is know for its adaptability and hardiness to harsh desert conditions. Some rams have four fully developed horns and some ewes have small horns. The ewes cycle naturally out of season, lamb easily, usually have multiple births and are protective mothers. The Navajo-Churro has a long hair outer coat and a fine wool inner fleece which may be white, black, gray or brown. Their wool is excellent for use in hand-spinning, specialty garments and carpets.

Learn more about sheep & wool from the following resources.

Wool Research 

Wool fiber

Sheep Glossary

Benefits of Wool

Sheep Wool Grades

Wool Definition