Chiengora is a
yarn or
wool spun from
dog hair. The word is a
portmanteau of
chien (the French word for dog) and
angora. It is up to 80% warmer than
wool and is not elastic.
Often chiengora is blended with wool during the
carding process. This blend has some give to it, which is preferable when
knitting. It is also often blended with wool in order to create a yarn with less heat insulation.
Spinning dog hair is not a new art form. Dog hair has been found in yarns dating back from pre-historic Scandinavia, and in textiles from the
Navajo and Northwest Coast native Americans of North America. It was the main fiber spun on the Northern American continent before the Spaniards introduced
sheep.
The best hairs for this application are from 'Northern' breeds, such as
Newfoundlands,
Chow Chows,
Samoyed,
Norwegian Elkhounds, and the like.
In modern times it is rarely used. In general it is only used by hand
spinners with pet dogs.
