We register Navajo-Churro sheep according to a Breed Standard that specifies the acceptable traits and range of variation within this landrace breed. The Standard was set up by the Navajo-Churro Sheep Association in 1986. It was developed with data collected from 1936 to 1966 by the Southwestern Range and Sheep Breeding Laboratory at Fort Wingate, New Mexico, and from Navajo, Hispanic and Anglo concepts established at the founding meetings of the N-CSA. Our Standard reflects the phenotype of the breed as developed over hundreds of years beginning in the 1400’s when the Spanish brought Churra sheep to the Americas and the Navajo acquired them. For centuries, the sheep were carefully selected to be well adapted to their environment and of great value, not only on a practical level but also culturally and spiritually. This amazing Navajo-Churro sheep is what we strive to conserve.
We do not condone out-crossing to other breeds or selecting for traits that do not conform to our Standard. Our Standard does not allow for registration of animals showing evidence of out-crossing such as meat animal conformation, crimped wool, excessive lanolin, fat rump or other such traits. Before registration, each animal must undergo an in-person or remote inspection, the latter requiring photos and wool sampling adequate to assure its compliance with the Standard. Inspections are done by individuals who have studied and been trained to identify the nuances of the breed to ensure that each animal is truly a Navajo-Churro.
Our Standard emphasizes the importance of the multi-purpose nature of Navajo-Churro Sheep. The wool’s highly valued lustrous, long staple, double coat (with up to 5% kemp) is a priority. Navajo-Churro wool is essential for authentic, traditional fiber arts of both Diné and Hispanic cultures. Rio Grande and Navajo textiles from hundreds of years ago to present day are treasured because of the exceptional wool and skill of the weavers.
Our Breed Standard has always allowed up to 5% kemp. Kemp is one of the naturally occurring fibers found in the original Navajo-Churro Sheep and we do not plan to exclude it.
In addition to its wool, the sheep’s intelligence, self-sufficiency, ability to traverse rough terrain, browse for its food, tolerate extreme weather conditions, lamb without assistance, have good mothering instincts, provide milk to both its lambs and human caretakers and to provide delicious meat are all very important as well. We work to maintain these qualities of the Navajo-Churro Sheep.
