Rambouillet are
considered the backbone of the American Sheep Industry, forming the foundation
of most western range flocks and raised throughout the United States.
Rambouillet sheep descend entirely from the Spanish Merino. In fact, they are
the French version of the Merino developed when Louis XVI imported 386 Spanish
Merinos in 1786 for his estate at Rambouillet.
Though named for
the town in France, the breed owes much of its development to Germany and the
United States. Rambouillet sheep are a dual-purpose sheep, producing a
desirable carcass and good fine wool. Rambouillets are large sized, rugged and
long-lived with a strong flocking instinct. Rambouillet ewes possess many
desirable traits which have resulted in their inclusion in crossbreeding
programs to improve lamb production.