Look at Their Tails

The easiest way to tell the difference between a sheep and a goat is to look at their tails. A goat's tail will go up (unless the goat is frightened, sick, or in distress). Sheep tails hang down and are often docked (cut off) for health and sanitary reasons.

Grazing vs. Browsing

One of the biggest differences between sheep and goats is their feeding behavior and diet selection. Goats are natural browsers, preferring to eat leaves, twigs, vines, and shrubs. They are very agile and will stand on their hind legs to eat vegetation. Sheep are grazers, preferring to eat short, tender grass and clover. They like weeds and can graze very close to the soil surface.

Browsers

 
Grazers

Who's Smarter?

Sheep and goats behave quite differently. People often say that goats are "smart" because they are very curious and inquisitive. They are more independent than sheep, who are usualy aloof to people. People often say that sheep are "stupid" because of their strong "flock mentality." A sheep will become very agitated if it is separated from the rest of the flock. However, it is this flocking behavior that provides their best defense against predators. Neither species is smart or stupid. They are just characterized by different types of behavior that enhances their survival in the wild.