Sheep may seem like simple farm animals, but they’re part of a much bigger story. Domestic sheep, members of the genus Ovis, have lived alongside humans for thousands of years. Once valued mainly for meat, they’ve also provided wool, milk, hides, and even fertilizer.
There are at least 200 recognized sheep breeds, though some estimates suggest there may be nearly 1,000. This remarkable variety shows how deeply sheep have shaped human life over the centuries. From wool and milk to meat and land care, breed diversity plays a huge role in the sheep's ongoing economic and cultural importance.
Intrigued? Click through to meet some of the world’s most beloved sheep breeds.