Merino sheep is a type of sheep that is bred for wool production. The species has its origins in Spain, but the modern merino sheep was domesticated in New Zealand and Australia, where it is also referred to as "jackson sheep".
Wool from the merino sheep is especially fine (low micron), scratch-free and soft. Merino wool is thinner and finer than the Norwegian wool which is exposed to a rougher climate normally in significantly rougher grazing areas with colder temperatures, more twigs and tassels often high up in the mountains.