Merino — breed guide
The wool aristocrat: glorious fleece that absolutely must be shorn every year, no skipping.
At a glance
- Group
- wool sheep
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 55–90 kg (121–198 lb)
- Life span
- 10–14 years
- Coat
- The finest wool in the world, in deep soft folds
Living with a Merino
- Low energy — happy with gentle daily exercise.
- Daily grooming — this coat is a commitment.
- Barely sheds.
- Trainable with consistency.
- Quiet.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Typically lives happily with a cat.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- Better with previous experience behind you.
- Handles warm weather well.
- Handles cold well.
Temperament
Gentle · Flock-tight · Placid
Health to watch
- Fly strike
- Wool blindness
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Did you know
Merino wool fibres are finer than a human hair — the reason your base layer doesn’t itch.
Questions people ask
Is a Merino good with kids?
Generally yes. Merinos are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Merino good with cats?
Usually yes. Merinos typically settle well with a resident cat — introduce them slowly and give the cat a high perch and a way out of the room.
How much exercise does a Merino need?
A gentle daily walk.
Can a Merino handle hot weather?
It copes well with warm days.
Leash Life keeps a Merino's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.