Sheep are a unique species of domesticated animal often raised for wool, meat or milk production. Similar to cattle and goats, they are a ruminant mammal with four compartments to their stomach. Contrary to what you may have heard, sheep are very intelligent animals with many unique characteristics. Read more fun facts about these animals below!

1. Sheep have rectangular pupils and nearly 360 degree vision.
   A sheep's rectangular pupils allows for a wide range of vision, anywhere from 270 to 320 degrees! They can nearly see all the way around without even moving their head. This allows them as prey species to stay aware of their surroundings and watch closely for predators, even when they are grazing. 
2. The American Sheep Industry Association recognizes 47 different breeds of sheep in the United States. 
   These breeds are classified into six different breed types: meat, fine wool, long wool, dual purpose, hair, and minor breeds.
3. Sheep don't have front upper teeth. 
   Sheep have an upper lip that is divided by a distinct groove, called a philtrum. This allows sheep to get close to the ground and only select the vegetation that they like to graze. 
4. Sheep are usually sheared once a year.
   Sheep are sheared at least once a year, usually before lambing or in the spring before warm weather arrives. 
5. Female sheep are called ewes, baby sheep are called lambs and male sheep are called rams. A group of sheep is called a flock.
   If you want to be technical about things...
6. Their wool never stops growing.
   There is continual, year-round wool growth in domesticated sheep. If they aren't sheared at least once a year, their wool can become overgrown, matted and painful for the sheep.
7. Sheep are herbivores.
   Sheep are herbivores and live solely on plants, grass and seeds. Sheep are ruminant animals, which means their stomach has four compartments. This allows them to ferment the plant material and absorb nutrients before digesting it. 
8. They have a very strong sense of smell.
   Sheep communicate with each other through their scent and other surroundings. Sheep have scent glands in front of their eyes and on their hooves that produce secretions to communicate with one another.
9. Sheep were the first livestock species to be domesticated.
   Sheep and goats were among the first livestock to be domesticated. Domestication of these animals can date all the way back to 10,000 B.C. 
10. Sheep are incredibly smart and have wonderful memories.
    Sheep are intelligent animals and can remember up to 50 different individuals (humans and sheep). They are also able to recognize faces, and mothers are able to identify their lamb's bleat. 

Sources: Hadlow College, RaisingSheep , Lighthouse Farm Santuary