Taxonomy
While sheep and goats have many similarities, their taxonomy is
different. Each is a distinct species and genus. Sheep (Ovis
Aries) have 54 chromosomes, while goats (Capra Hircus)
have 60. Fertile sheep-goat hybrids are rare. Hybrids made in
the laboratory are called chimeras.
Look at their tails The easist way to tell the difference between a sheep and
goat is to look at their tails. A goat's tail goes up (unless
it is sick, frightened, or in distress). Sheep tails hang down
and are often docked (shortened) for health and sanitary reasons.
Foraging behavior The biggest difference between sheep and goats is their foraging
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 reach vegetation. Sheep are grazers,
preferring to eat short, tender grass and clover. Their dietary
preference is forbs and they graze close to the soil surface,
whereas goats are "top-down" grazers.
Behavior There are distinct differences in behavior between sheep and
goats. Goats are curious and independent, while sheep tend to
be more distant and aloof. Sheep have a stronger flocking instinct
and become very agitated if they are separated from the rest of
the flock.
Goats will seek shelter more readilty than sheep. Neither likes
to get their feet wet and both prefer upland grazing to lowland.
In a fight, a ram will back up and charge to butt heads. A goat
will rear up on his hind legs and come down forceably to butt
heads.
Physical differences
Sheep and goats have numerous physical differences. Most goats
have hair coats that do not require shearing or combing. Most
sheep grow wool and need to be sheared annually. Lamb tails are
often docked; goat tails are not.
Sheep have an upper lip that is divided by a distinct philtrum
(groove). The goat does not.
Male goats have glands beneath their tail. Sheep have face or
tear glands beneath their eyes and foot or scent glands between
the toes.
Horns Most goats naturally have horns. Some goats have beards. Many
breeds of sheep are naturally hornless (polled). Some sheep have
manes. Goat horns are more narrow, upright, and less curved than
sheep horns. Sheep tend to curl their horns in loops on the sides
of their heads.
