What breed of sheep is prized for its long, fine wool?

The Merino is the sheep breed or breed group prized for producing exceptionally fine, soft wool.

Merino sheep developed in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly Spain, during the medieval period. Their exact origins are debated: historians have proposed North African ancestry, development in Extremadura, and several stages of crossbreeding with other fine-wool sheep. Spain protected the breed and its valuable wool for centuries, restricting exports and helping create a major Spanish wool monopoly.

Merino wool is valued because its fibers are much finer than those of many meat-oriented sheep breeds. Typical Merino fibers are under 24 microns in diameter, with superfine and ultrafine grades even smaller. Fine fibers feel soft against the skin, making Merino wool useful for clothing, base layers, socks, and luxury textiles.

The breed later spread worldwide, especially to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Regional strains include Australian Merino, Rambouillet, and Delaine Merino. Merinos are bred mainly for wool rather than meat, and their continuously growing fleeces mean they generally require shearing at least once a year.