The terms “lamb,” “sheep,” and “goat” often lead to confusion, as they describe animals that appear similar. While sheep and goats share a family classification, they are distinct species with clear differences in physical characteristics, behaviors, and life stage terminology. This article clarifies these distinctions.
Understanding Lambs and Sheep
A lamb is a young sheep, typically less than one year old. As a lamb matures, it transitions into what is known as a sheep, emphasizing that they belong to the same species, Ovis aries, just at different points in their life cycle. The meat from a young sheep (under one year) is also referred to as lamb, while meat from an older sheep is called mutton.
Goats: A Distinct Animal
Goats are a distinct species from sheep. While both sheep and goats belong to the Bovidae family and the Caprinae subfamily, they diverge at the genus level. Sheep are classified under the genus Ovis, and goats under the genus Capra. This scientific classification means a lamb will never grow into a goat, nor will a goat ever become a sheep. Though closely related, fertile hybrids between sheep and goats are rare.
Key Distinctions Between Sheep and Goats
Several observable physical and behavioral differences help distinguish sheep from goats. One of the easiest ways to tell them apart is by their tails: goats typically hold their short tails upright, whereas sheep’s tails usually hang downwards, even if they are short or docked. Another noticeable difference is their coat type. Most sheep possess thick wool coats that require annual shearing, while most goats have hair that does not need to be shorn. However, some sheep breeds exist that have hair instead of wool.
Horns also offer a distinguishing feature. When present, sheep horns are often thick and tend to curl around the sides of their heads. In contrast, goat horns are generally narrower, point upwards, and are less curved. While many sheep breeds are naturally hornless, most goats are naturally horned. Furthermore, male goats often grow beards, a characteristic generally absent in sheep.
Behaviorally, goats are known for being curious and independent browsers, preferring to eat leaves, twigs, and shrubs, often standing on their hind legs to reach vegetation. Sheep, on the other hand, are typically grazers, preferring to eat shorter grasses and exhibit a stronger flocking instinct, tending to stay closer together.
Common Terminology for Life Stages
Both sheep and goats have specific terms for their life stages and sexes. For sheep, a young animal is called a lamb, an adult female is a ewe, an intact adult male is a ram, and a castrated male is a wether.
Goats also have distinct terminology. A young goat is called a kid, an adult female is a doe (or nanny goat), an intact adult male is a buck (or billy goat), and a castrated male is also called a wether.