Merino vs Rambouillet
Merino or Rambouillet? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Merino | Rambouillet | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Fine wool | Wool, meat |
| Origin | Spain | France |
| Mature weight | Ewes 125–180 lb | Ewes 150–200 lb |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years | 10–12 years |
| Temperament | Calm, flocking | Calm, flocking |
| Best fit | Fiber flocks, spinners | Range flocks, fine wool |
| Docility | ●●●●● Strong flock instinct | ●●●●● Strong flock instinct |
| Hardiness | ●●●●● Moderate | ●●●●● Range hardy |
| Fleece work | ●●●●● Heavy fleece care | ●●●●● Heavy fleece |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Fleece work adds up | ●●●●● Fleece work adds up |
| Observed price | Not enough prices yet | Not enough prices yet |
How they differ
- Docility: about the same (4 of 5 each).
- Hardiness: the Rambouillet rates higher than the Merino (4 of 5 vs 3).
- Fleece work: the Merino rates higher than the Rambouillet (5 of 5 vs 4).
- Beginner fit: the Rambouillet rates higher than the Merino (3 of 5 vs 2).
The Merino
Merinos were developed in Spain and are the most famous fine-wool breed in the world. Their soft, fine fleece is prized by spinners and the apparel trade, so they are kept mostly for wool rather than meat.
Heavy fleeces need yearly shearing and careful management to prevent flystrike. Wrinkly lines are harder to shear.
The Rambouillet
Rambouillets were developed in France from Spanish Merinos at the royal Rambouillet estate starting in 1786. They are larger than most Merinos and are the backbone of many western US range flocks for wool and meat.
Fine fleece needs yearly shearing and flystrike management. Lambs grow slower than meat-breed crosses.
Questions
Is a Merino or a Rambouillet better for a beginner?
The Rambouillet rates higher for beginners (3 of 5 vs 2). Merino: Fleece work adds up. Rambouillet: Fleece work adds up.
What is the main difference between a Merino and a Rambouillet?
Heavy fleeces need yearly shearing and careful management to prevent flystrike. Wrinkly lines are harder to shear. By contrast, fine fleece needs yearly shearing and flystrike management. Lambs grow slower than meat-breed crosses.