The Navajo-Churro sheep is one of North America’s oldest sheep breeds and is closely tied to the culture and history of the Diné (Navajo) people. Descended from Spanish Churra Iberian sheep brought to the Southwest in the 1500s, the breed was shaped over centuries to thrive in the harsh desert and mountain environments of the American Southwest. Weaving wool can seem simple to those who are not dyed in the wool, but it’s more than a process it’s a lifestyle—from raising the sheet, shearing the wool, skirting, dyeing, carding the wool, and finally spinning the woold before the weaving can even begin. There are no templates or patterns for the design, which is a complex learned aspect.
Distinctive Characteristics
- Long-legged, narrow-bodied, and highly athletic.
- Extremely hardy and able to survive on sparse forage.
- Known for strong maternal instincts and good lamb survival.
- May be horned, polled (hornless), or occasionally have four horns.
- Produces a dual-coated fleece with a soft undercoat and longer outer fibers. (navajosheepproject)
Wool
Navajo-Churro wool is prized by traditional Navajo weavers. The fleece comes in many natural colors, including white, black, brown, gray, and spotted patterns. The wool is strong, durable, and ideal for rugs and tapestries rather than fine garments. (Wikipedia)
Meat
The breed also produces lean, flavorful meat with relatively low fat content. Many small farmers value Navajo-Churros as a dual-purpose or even triple-purpose breed (wool, meat, and milk). (Wikipedia)
Near Extinction and Recovery
The breed’s numbers collapsed during the late 1800s and again during federal livestock reduction programs in the 1930s. By the 1970s, only a few hundred animals remained. Conservation efforts by breeders and organizations helped restore the population, though it is still considered a rare heritage breed. (Wikipedia)
Why People Raise Them Today
- Heritage conservation
- Exceptional weaving wool
- Hardiness in dry climates
- Low-input management
- Unique appearance, especially the multi-horned animals (navajosheepproject)
If you’re interested in raising them in Colorado, Navajo-Churros are particularly well-suited to the semi-arid conditions of the Southwest and Rocky Mountain regions.
