[1] The Manchega sheep's ancestors were known as Ovis aries ligeries, and migrated across the Pyrenees and much of northern Spain before finally settling in La Mancha.

The breed was domesticated by the early residents of La Mancha and bred to its current state.

The Manchega were typically only bred among themselves and were seldom crossbred, resulting in a remarkably pure bloodline among today's animals.

[3] True Manchego cheese must be made from the whole milk of Manchega sheep raised in La Mancha.

Typically they are able to graze year-round on the grassy plains of La Mancha, although they may be fed supplementary feeds, especially during lactation or pregnancy.