About Navajo Churro

Over 400 years ago Don Juan Onate and the Spanish Conquistadors brought the first Churro sheep into the American Southwest. Navajo-Churro sheep are descended from the ancient Iberian Churra, (later corrupted to "Churro" by American frontiersmen to, the Churra).

Documented as the oldest north American breed, the Churra was prized for its remarkable hardiness, adaptability, and fecundity. By the 17th century flocks existed on ranches and villages along the upper Rio Grande Valley; soon to become an important part of the Navajo Indian’s economy and culture.

In 1863, the U.S. Army decimated the Navajo flocks in hopes of further crippling the native American independence. True survivors of these sheep were found in isolated, remote areas of New Mexico. The fact that these sheep still exist today is a testimony to their endurance and endearment. No other sheep population in the history of the world has survived such selective pressure with such dignity and spirit.

The Navajo-Churro breed still is considered a Rare Breed and listed as such with American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC).