Algarve Churro

Algarve Churro is a Portuguese Churra-type sheep associated with the Algarve in southern Portugal. Like other Churro or Churra sheep, it belongs to a family of Iberian coarse-wool landraces rather than to the finewool Merino tradition. The breed is shaped by dry Mediterranean hills, seasonal grazing, and mixed small-farm use, with meat, milk for local needs, and utility fleece all potentially part of its history.

Its modern importance is closely tied to preserving regional genetics. Algarve Churro sheep are expected to handle heat, rough forage, and modest inputs, but they still need sensible parasite control, shade, water, and lambing supervision. Breeders should avoid smoothing the breed into a generic meat sheep through unrecorded crossing, because local Churra types can be scarce and historically specific. Useful records include flock origin, horn status, fleece character, lamb performance, and any conservation-program enrollment.