The history of
the Rambouillet sheep is a fascinating one that began more than two centuries
ago. The Rambouillet breed originated with Spain's famed Merino
flocks, which were known from the earliest times as producers of the world's
finest wool. 
The Spanish
government was so protective of their Merino
flocks that any exportation was forbidden.
This policy changed in 1786, however, when the King of Spain granted a request from the government of France and sent 359 carefully selected rams and ewes to help improve the native French stock. The sheep were sent to the Rambouillet farm near Paris where, according to government records, they have been bred since 1801.
Other Merino sheep were introduced
into Germany during the last quarter of the 18th century, and German breeders
made extensive use of Rambouillet sires as the sheep's fame spread throughout
Europe. That is why many present day American Rambouillets can trace their
ancestry back to either 
German
von Homeyer flocks or the flocks of Rambouillet, France.
Mature Rambouillet rams weigh between 250 and 300 pounds (113-135 kg), ewes
range from 150 to 200 pounds (68-90 kg). Mature ewes will have a fleece
weigh of 8 to 18 pounds (3.6-8.1 kg) with a yield of 35 to 55 percent.
The fleece staple length will vary from two to four inches (5-10 cm) and range
in fiber diameter from 18.5 to 24.5 microns or 60 to 80 for the numerical
count.
Breed Associations and Registries
