How to Identify Merino Sheep

The Merino sheep is prized for its soft wool, which is often used in combination with silk and cashmere to create high-end clothing. Today, Merino sheep are raised in Argentina, New Zealand, the Western United States, South Africa and Australia. Traditionally, Merinos bred in the United States are used for eating, while the Merinos of Australia are raised for wool.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Look at the sheep's size. Merinos tend to be smaller than most sheep that are bred for eating. Their ears stick out to the side and their chests are deep and broad. They have long, muscular backs.

2. Feel the texture of the wool. Merinos, which come in both black and white, have a distinct wool, which is both fine and tightly crimped. Within the Merino breed, you'll find different types of wools. Merino does not feel as coarse or greasy as other sheep's wool.

3. Study the sheep's horns. Some Merinos have small stubs, called scurs, on their heads. These are called Polled Merinos. Other Merinos have spiraled horns that grow close to the head.

4. Compare the look of the sheep's wool to that of other sheep. Merino's sheep have distinctively deep wrinkled coats, similar to a shar-pei dog.

Tips & Warnings

• Booroola Merinos, from Australia, can breed all year long.
• Merinos have much longer life spans than other sheep breeds.

Resources

• Learn about the history of Merino Sheep at Catskill Merino.