Goat vs. Sheep — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 12, 2023
"Goat" refers to a hardy domesticated ruminant animal with backward-curving horns, while "Sheep" is a woolly ruminant animal typically kept for its wool or meat.
Difference Between Goat and Sheep
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Key Differences
"Goat" belongs to the genus Capra and is known for its ability to climb and thrive in rugged terrains. On the contrary, "Sheep" belongs to the genus Ovis and is primarily raised for its wool, which is harvested to produce various textiles.
Both "Goat" and "Sheep" are domesticated ruminants, but they exhibit distinct physical and behavioral characteristics. For instance, goats typically have a beard, prominent eyes, and horns that curve backward. Sheep, in contrast, have a more rounded face and are covered in thick, woolly fur.
The milk of a "Goat" is thicker and tangier than cow's milk and is often transformed into cheeses like chevre and feta. "Sheep" milk is richer in fat and is famously used to make cheeses such as Roquefort and Pecorino.
"Goat" meat, known as chevon or goat's meat, is a lean type of red meat that's less fatty than beef. "Sheep" meat has various names based on the animal's age, with lamb referring to younger sheep and mutton to older ones.
When observing behavior, "Goats" are known to be more curious and independent, often seen exploring or climbing. "Sheep," meanwhile, tend to be more flock-oriented and are known to follow the group, a behavior that's given rise to the term "herd mentality."
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Comparison Chart
Genus
Capra
Ovis
Typical Fur
Short and coarse
Thick and woolly
Horns
Backward-curving (typically)
Vary in shape, some breeds without
Behavioral Traits
Curious, independent
Flock-oriented, tends to follow
Primary Products
Milk, meat (chevon)
Wool, meat (lamb, mutton)
Compare with Definitions
Goat
A domesticated ruminant with backward-curving horns.
The goat climbed the steep hill with ease.
Sheep
A woolly ruminant often raised for its fleece.
The farmer sheared the sheep to collect the wool.
Goat
A source of lean meat called chevon.
Many people prefer goat meat due to its distinctive taste.
Sheep
A source of rich milk used in specialty cheeses.
Sheep's milk cheese has a creamy and unique flavor.
Goat
An animal known for its curiosity and agility.
The goat jumped over the fence to explore the other side.
Sheep
Recognized for its flock-oriented behavior.
The sheep followed their shepherd faithfully.
Goat
A producer of rich, tangy milk.
Goat milk cheese is a delicacy in many cuisines.
Sheep
A symbol of gentleness or conformity in various cultures.
He's like a sheep, always following the crowd.
Goat
The domestic goat or simply goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) is a subspecies of C. aegagrus domesticated from the wild goat of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the animal family Bovidae and the subfamily Caprinae, meaning it is closely related to the sheep.
Sheep
Sheep (Ovis aries) are quadrupedal, ruminant mammals typically kept as livestock. Like all ruminants, sheep are members of the order Artiodactyla, the even-toed ungulates.
Goat
A hardy domesticated ruminant mammal that has backward-curving horns and (in the male) a beard. It is kept for its milk and meat, and noted for its lively behaviour.
Sheep
A domesticated ruminant mammal (Ovis aries) having a thick coat, raised in many breeds for its wool, edible flesh, or hide.
Goat
A lecherous man.
Sheep
Any of various wild ruminant mammals related to and resembling the domestic sheep, such as the aoudad, bighorn sheep, and mouflon.
Goat
A stupid person; a fool
Just for once, stop acting the goat
Sheep
Leather made from the skin of one of these animals.
Goat
A scapegoat.
Sheep
A person regarded as timid, weak, or submissive.
Goat
A domesticated ruminant mammal (Capra hircus) having backward curving horns and a beard especially in the male, raised for its wool, milk, and meat.
Sheep
One who is easily swayed or led.
Goat
Any of various wild ruminant mammals of the genus Capra and related genera, including the ibexes and the wild goat (C. aegagrus) of Eurasia.
Sheep
(countable) A woolly ruminant of the genus Ovis.
Goat
A lecherous man.
Sheep
The domestic Ovies aries, the most well known species of Ovis.
Goat
A person who is blamed for a failure or misfortune, especially a scapegoat.
Sheep
(countable) A timid, shy person who is easily led by others.
Goat
See Capricorn.
Sheep
A religious adherent, a member of a congregation or religious community (compare flock).
Goat
See Capricornus.
Sheep
(uncountable) Sheepskin leather.
Goat
A mammal, Capra aegagrus hircus, and similar species of the genus Capra.
Sheep
A person who is easily understood by a speech recognition system; contrasted with goat.
Goat
(uncountable) The meat of the aforementioned animal.
Ugh, we're having goat for dinner again.
Sheep
Any one of several species of ruminants of the genus Ovis, native of the higher mountains of both hemispheres, but most numerous in Asia.
Goat
(slang) A lecherous man.
Sheep
A weak, bashful, silly fellow.
Goat
(informal) A scapegoat.
Sheep
Fig.: The people of God, as being under the government and protection of Christ, the great Shepherd.
Goat
(slang) A Pontiac GTO car.
Sheep
Woolly usually horned ruminant mammal related to the goat
Goat
(speech recognition) A person who is not easily understood by a speech recognition system; contrasted with sheep.
Sheep
A timid defenseless simpleton who is readily preyed upon
Goat
A fool, loser, or object of ridicule.
Sheep
A docile and vulnerable person who would rather follow than make an independent decision;
His students followed him like sheep
Goat
(roller derby) A blocker who is isolated behind the opposing team's blockers, so as to slow down the pack.
Sheep
An animal typically kept for meat, known as lamb or mutton.
Roast lamb is a popular dish during Easter.
Goat
(acronym) Greatest of All Time
Goat
(transitive) To allow goats to feed on.
Goat
(transitive) To scapegoat.
Goat
To isolate (an opposing blocker) behind one's own blockers, so as to slow down the pack.
Goat
A hollow-horned ruminant of the genus Capra, of several species and varieties, esp. the domestic goat (Capra hircus), which is raised for its milk, flesh, and skin.
Goat
Any of numerous agile ruminants related to sheep but having a beard and straight horns
Goat
A victim of ridicule or pranks
Goat
(astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Capricorn
Goat
The tenth sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about December 22 to January 19
Goat
Often symbolizing independence or stubbornness in various cultures.
He's as stubborn as a goat when it comes to changing his mind.
Common Curiosities
Are "Goat" and "Sheep" the same animal?
No, goats belong to the genus Capra and sheep to the genus Ovis.
Is goat milk good for lactose-intolerant people?
Goat milk is often easier to digest, but those with severe lactose intolerance should still be cautious.
What's the meat of a young sheep called?
The meat of a young sheep is called lamb.
Do all goats climb and jump?
While goats are agile and curious, not all breeds are avid climbers.
Why do sheep often move in flocks?
It's a natural behavior for safety against predators and for social interaction.
Why do goats have backward-curving horns?
It's a genetic trait common in goats, though the exact reason varies by breed and evolution.
Which is more popular for wool: goat or sheep?
Sheep are primarily raised for their wool, while goats produce cashmere or mohair.
Why are goats sometimes associated with stubbornness?
Their independent and curious nature can sometimes be perceived as stubbornness.
Is sheep milk commonly consumed?
While less common than cow or goat milk, sheep milk is consumed and is popular for making certain cheeses.
Which has thicker milk: goat or sheep?
Sheep milk is typically richer and fattier than goat milk.
Are there any goats without horns?
Yes, some breeds or individual goats may be naturally hornless, termed "polled."
What's the primary difference in appearance between goat and sheep?
Goats usually have shorter, coarser fur and pronounced eyes, while sheep have woolly fur and a rounder face.
Which is more independent: a goat or a sheep?
Generally, goats are more independent and curious, while sheep tend to be flock-oriented.
Is "mutton" meat from an old goat or sheep?
Mutton refers to the meat of an older sheep.
Can you get wool from a goat?
Some goats produce fibers like cashmere or mohair, but not the typical wool of sheep.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
