The Rambouillet is also known as the Rambouillet Merino or the French Merino. The evelopment of the Rambouillet breed started in 1786 when the French government either purchased or Louis XVI received a gift of over three hundred Spanish Merinos (318 ewes, 41 rams, 7 wethers) from Louis XVI cousin, the King of Spain. The flock was subsequently developed on an experimental royal farm at a place known as Rambouillet, not far from Paris. The flock was cultivated by the government with no sheep being sold for many years.