Carpet / Wool Carpets / New Zeland Sheep Breeds

Through its variety of sheep breeds, each with a distinct fleece, New Zealand produces the world's best wool for the finest carpets and rugs.

1. New Zealand Romney

The New Zealand Romney dominates the New Zealand sheep industry, accounting for 55-65% of the national flock. Originally from SE England (Romney Marsh), the Romney underwent considerable change to become a distinct New Zealand breed producing the best overall carpet wool.

Fiber Diameter:

33-37 microns

Staple Length:

5-7 in

Fleece Weight:

10-13 lbs

2. Perendale

Developed by inter-breeding Cheviot and Romney breeds, the Perendale accounts for 12-15% of New Zealand sheep. Cheviot wool is noted for its crimp and bulk, hence Perendale tends to be more crimpy and a little finer than Romney, adding extra bulk and stand-up-ability to carpet pile.
Perendale is ideal for blending with Romney wool when a more crimpy blend is required.

Fiber Diameter:

31-35 microns

Staple Length:

4-6 in

Fleece Weight:

7.5-11 lbs

3. Coopworth

Developed in the 1960's from Border Leicester and Romney breeds, the Coopworth produces a lustrous fleece, noted for its good length, color and spinning qualities.

Fiber Diameter:

35-39 microns

Staple Length:

5-7 in

Fleece Weight:

10-13 lbs

4. Drysdale

Commercially developed in the 1950's the Drysdale is a result of scientific research. Essentially, the breed is a Romney carrying a powerful gene which stimulates production of long, highly medullated fibers (non-crimpy). Noted for its crisp hand, Drysdale wool is ideal for blending with Romney wool when a hard or crisp hand is required.
The Drysdale fleece comprises three types of fiber: Kemps-very coarse 80-160 micron (10% by weight) Long medullated fiber 50-90 (65% by weight) First non-medullated fiber 15-45 micron (25% by weight)

Fiber Diameter:

40+ microns

Staple Length:

8-12 in

Fleece Weight:

11-15.5 lbs

5. Border Leicester

The wool from a Border Leicester is more lustrous and slightly coarser than that from a Romney.

Fiber Diameter:

37-40 microns

Staple Length:

6-8 in

Fleece Weight:

10-13 lbs

6. Lincoln

Although many New Zealand sheep still have some Lincoln heritage, actual flock numbers have dwindled considerably. Lincoln wool is very lustrous and straight.

Fiber Diameter:

39-41 microns

Staple Length:

7-9 in

Fleece Weight:

11-15.5 lbs