The Merino is the oldest and most numerous breed in the world. It is thought to have come from Spain or North Africa. The Merino was New Zealand’s first sheep and today there are just over 2 million of them. Most Merinos are found in the rugged South Island hill country, where it is the only breed to thrive on the high altitude pastures of native grass. Merinos stay in mobs and move quickly. Despite a heavy fleece, they are fairly small and hardy which means they survive the cold. Merinos have a very dense fleece, nearly three times as many as other breeds. The wool is very fine and soft and although the outside of the fleece looks grey, inside it is quite white. The wool is 6.5 to 10cm long and has close wrinkles or "crimps". A Merino grows 3.5 to 5 kg of wool every year. All rams and some of the ewes have horns. Merino wool is made into very fine fabrics for men and women’s fashion wear. It is even made into billiard cloths. (sheepworld.co.nz)