Small Ruminants (Sheep & Goats)
Sheep Breeds Identification Guide
A guide for recognizing common sheep breeds and noting their traits. Use it for learning and for filling in breed fields on forms. Follow the steps in order and keep the guide handy with your other farm papers.
GuideSmall Ruminants (Sheep & Goats)Free PDF
The steps on this page
- Look at the animal's face and ears
- Note wool or hair cover
- Check overall size and build
- Observe color pattern
- Compare with breed association descriptions
- Record the traits you see
- Note common uses of the breed
- Verify with registration papers
How to use this guide
Follow the steps in order and write down any changes you make. Where your equipment or product has instructions, those come first.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with eXtension and National Agricultural Library.
For more in this area, see the Homestead and Small Farm. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Sheep Farmers Demand Probe of Lamb Imports, and ranching farm stories.