Latxa

A breed native to the Basque Country of Spain (Spanish Lacho/Lacha), mainly in Biscay, Gipuzkoa, Navarre and Cantabria. Its unpasteurised milk makes Idiazábal and Roncal cheeses. There are two sub-types, dark-faced and blonde.

A medium or small sheep with long, coarse wool; the name 'latxa' itself refers to the rough wool. Ewes are polled or short-horned, while rams always carry long spiral horns.

Traditionally the flock goes to mountain pasture after lactation; some flocks go while still lactating and are hand-milked there. Since 1982 a breeding scheme, artificial insemination and machine milking have modernised it. Lactation is seasonal and lower in volume than other dairy breeds.