LIONGATE'S NAVAJO CHURRO SHEEP

Here at Liongate we raise Navaho Churro sheep.

Each year we have a limited amount of of our lambs available to qualified homes as well as raw fleece and yarn. Check out the links below.

2009 Lambs are here!!!! taking reservations

2009 LAMBS

CHURRO FLEECE & FIBER

Churro (Navajo-Churro) sheep have long been raised by the Navajo people. However, their numbers have diminished greatly over the years due to cross-breedings and government-sponsored herd reductions. Now they are now one of the rarest breeds in North America. Churro sheep are a double-coated breed, with an softer inner coat and a coarser, hair-like outer coat. The inner layer of a Churro fleece will have staple length of approximately 3-5 inches with a micron count of about 10-36 microns (more typically in the range of 28-36). The outer coat of a Churro fleece can have a staple length as long as 6-12 inches, but it is much coarser than the inner coat, with micron counts above 35 (typically in the range of 48-56). Churro wool can be spun “in the grease” more easily than some other varieties of wool, due to its low amount of lanolin. Churro fiber has a silky texture, and has little crimp. Churro wool is strong and durable, and is probably most often used for weaving rugs. However, Churro fiber with a lower micron count works well for socks and outer garments. Navajo-Churro fleeces can be found in a huge variety of natural colors, including white, various shades of brown (ranging from light beige and tan to reddish brown and dark brown), light and dark grey, and black.