Navajo-Churro

Navajo-Churro sheep are descended from the Churra, an ancient Iberian breed. The Churra (renamed Churro by American frontiersmen) was first imported to North America in the 16th century and used to feed Spanish armies and settlers. By the 17th century Churros were popular with the Spanish settlers in the upper Rio Grande Valley. Flocks of Churros were also acquired by Native Americans through raids and trading, and soon became an important part of the Navajo economy and culture. A series of US Government sponsored flock reductions and cross-breedings decimated the Navajo flocks until the Churro sheep nearly disappeared. Restoration of the breed began in the 1970s when breeders began acquiring Churro phenotypes with the purpose of preserving the breed and revitalizing Navajo and Hispanic flocks. The Navajo-Churro Sheep Association (N-CSA) was formed in 1986 to preserve and promote the Navajo-Churro, with the name "Navajo-Churro" being chosen to indicate both Navajo and Spanish heritage. While the Navajo-Churro breed is no longer in danger of extinction, Navajo-Churro sheep are still considered a rare breed.

Navajo-Churro sheep are renowned for their hardiness and adaptability to extremes of climate. Their wool consists of a protective topcoat and soft undercoat. Some rams have four fully-developed horns, a trait shared with few other breeds in the world. The Navajo-Churro has also gained popularity with its low-maintenance reputation, resistence to disease, and lean meat.

External links

• Navajo-Churro Sheep Association
• Sheep is Life organization
• Diné be' iiná, Inc., a nonprofit organization (The Navajo Lifeway)

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