Yarn made from dog hair

Not many breeds can be described as having the coat texture of two other species, but the lively Pyrenean Shepherd can.  The Rough Faced variety of this very natural breed has long, or “demi” long hair that is often wooly to the extent that it may cord on the dog’s thighs, elbows and/or rump (its croup). Interestingly, the texture of this hair is harsh and reported to be halfway between the hair of a goat and the wool of a sheep.

We don’t know of anyone who has “carded” Pyr Shep hair for spinning, but we suspect it would make fine chiengora (yarn made from dog hair).  A small hat takes about 4 ounces of spun hair, a scarf about 8 ounces, and the work is time-consuming (one expert spinner we read about said it takes her about three hours to spin one spool), but it’s satisfying to make use of shed hair (if not a source of pocket money: At one time Etsy.com, featured nearly 20 different shops with chiengora products), and RussetLodgeKnits will take your dog hair and convert it into yarn out for you to knit, crochet or weave.

If you’ve knitted with Pyrenean Shepherd hair, we’d love to hear from you!

Pyrenean Shepherd by DJ Rogers – k9artgallery
http://dogprintsgallery.com
www.etsy.com/shop/k9artgallery