Ovis is a genus of mammals, part of the Caprinae subfamily of the ruminant family Bovidae.

Domestic sheep are members of the genus, and are thought to be descended from the wild mouflon of central and southwest Asia.

Sheep are fairly small compared to other ungulates; in most species, adults weigh less than 100 kg (220 lb).

The bodies of wild sheep (and some domestic breeds) are covered by a coat of thick hair to protect them from cold.

This coat contains long, stiff hairs, called kemps, over a short, woolly undercoat, which grows in autumn and is shed in spring.

Domestic sheep are also reared for their milk and meat (which is called lamb or mutton depending on the age of the animal).

Males can smell females that are in estrus, and rams mark their territories by rubbing scent on rocks.

The main recognized divisions are:[1] Sheep are social animals and live in groups, called flocks.

Flocks of sheep need to keep moving to find new grazing areas and more favourable weather as the seasons change.