Merino sheep

Fine-fleeced livestock

Merino sheep are a breed prized for their exceptionally fine, soft wool.

Originally from Spain, they now dominate wool production worldwide, particularly in Australia.

The wool's quality comes from fibers far thinner than other breeds produce: Merino wool is used in high-end athletic wear.

The breed name also describes the wool itself or fabric made from it.

Related

shepherd · pasture · rolling hills · spinning · yarn · soft · fine · fine wool · Australia · lamb · grazing · shearing · fiber · natural fiber · textile · New Zealand · breed · cashmere

Opposites
wool quality

Merino sheepHerdwick sheep

Hardy Cumbrian hill breed

fiber-producing animals

Merino sheepllama

Domesticated Andean pack animal

cashmere goat · yak · alpaca · silkworm · camel

primary purpose/product

Merino sheepbeef cattle

Livestock raised for meat

dairy cattle · broiler chicken

Family

merino, sheep, sheepish, sheepishly, sheepishness, sheepdog, sheepskin, sheepfold

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G