Lambs and goats are often confused due to their similar appearances. While both belong to the Bovidae family, they are distinct species. Understanding their differences involves examining their scientific classifications, physical characteristics, and behaviors. A lamb is a young sheep, not a young goat.
Distinct Species, Not the Same
Sheep and goats are classified as separate species. Both are members of the Bovidae family and Caprinae subfamily. Their taxonomic paths diverge at the genus level.
Domesticated sheep (Ovis aries) have young called lambs. Domestic goats (Capra hircus) have young called kids. Goats typically have 60 chromosomes, while sheep have 54. This chromosomal difference prevents fertile interbreeding.
Key Physical Differences
Observable physical characteristics provide clear distinctions. Goats often possess narrower horns that tend to grow upwards and backward. Sheep, conversely, often have thicker horns that curl around the sides of their heads, though many sheep breeds are naturally hornless.
Their tails also offer a reliable identification cue. Goats generally have short tails that point upwards. Sheep, on the other hand, typically have tails that hang downwards. Sheep’s tails are frequently docked for hygiene purposes.
Differences in their coats are also apparent. Most sheep are known for their dense, woolly coats, which grow continuously and require regular shearing for the animal’s comfort and health. Goats, by contrast, possess hair, which can vary in length and texture but generally does not require shearing as it sheds naturally. Some goat breeds, however, are specifically raised for their fine hair, such as mohair or cashmere. Goats often have a more slender and angular build, while sheep tend to appear stockier and more rounded.
Behavior and Lifestyle Distinctions
The dietary habits of sheep and goats reflect their different foraging strategies. Sheep are primarily grazers, preferring to consume short grasses, clover, and other low-lying plants. They typically graze with their heads down. Goats, conversely, are browsers, meaning they prefer to eat leaves, twigs, shrubs, and weeds, often standing on their hind legs to reach higher foliage. Their flexible lips allow them to be more selective in their foraging, choosing individual plant parts.
Social structures and temperaments also differ between the two species. Sheep are known for their strong flocking instinct, preferring to stay close together in a cohesive group for safety. This inherent behavior makes them generally more timid and reliant on the group. Goats, while social, exhibit a more independent and curious nature. They are often more exploratory, agile, and prone to investigating their surroundings, sometimes climbing on objects.
Vocalizations also provide an auditory cue for distinguishing them. Sheep commonly produce a “baa” sound, a familiar bleating call. Goats, while also bleating, tend to have a sharper, higher-pitched sound.