Sheep Eyes Vs. Goat Eyes: Is There a Difference?

Have you ever looked into the eyes of a sheep or goat? Sheep and goat eyes are very similar in appearance on the surface, but they are actually quite different. Let’s analyze the two — sheep eyes vs. goat eyes—and learn about their appearance, vision capabilities, and functionality.

Comparing Sheep Eyes Vs. Goat Eyes

Key Differences Between Sheep Eyes and Goat Eyes

Sheep and goat eyes are very similar in appearance, and you may not see a difference by just looking at them. However, there are distinct differences, especially in functionality. 

The easiest difference to spot is color. Sheep eye color ranges from brown to greenish-tan, and goat eyes are typically blue or light brown. Despite this, most differences are hidden from the naked eye and are only known due to scientific studies. Goats have a better field of vision and depth perception than sheep. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Sheep Eyes Vs. Goat Eyes: Shape

Both goats and sheep have rectangular pupils that look like horizontal slits. People have described their eyes as unusual and unsettling to look at. And while they may differ significantly from human eyes, their appearance serves a purpose. If you look closely as a sheep or goat rotates its head, you will notice that its eyes stay perfectly parallel to the ground. Why is this? 

The eyes are on the sides of the head, combined with elongated pupils. This remarkable combination allows for a wide field of view. These animals can see almost all of the way around them, and this odd pupil shape allows for enhanced lighting and image quality of the animal’s surroundings. However, goats and sheep are not the only animals with rectangular-shaped pupils, as all grazing animals have slitted pupils. If you look, you will see the same shape in horses and deer. 

A comparative study performed on sheep and goat eyes found that the size and shape of the optic disc were different. The optic disc represents the beginning of the optic nerve, which also acts as a blind spot. Goats and sheep both have a blind spot directly behind them. Sheep also have a blind spot directly in front of their nose.

Sheep Eyes Vs. Goat Eyes: Color

Goat eye color ranges between light blue, light brown, or amber. Blue eye color is a dominant trait most commonly seen in Nigerian dwarfs. It is common for goats to have almost all white irises with a speck of blue. In rare occurrences, you may see goats with marbled color eyes (brown and blue mixed together) and two different colored eyes (one brown and one blue). 

Sheep eyes are usually various shades of brown. They can range from light brown to a darker amber color. Some sheep’s eyes take on a more green color mixed with brown. Lamb’s eyes are often a golden yellow to light brown color.

Sheep Eyes Vs. Goat Eyes: Vision

Sheep and goats have excellent vision. Goats have between 320 and 340 degrees view of their surroundings. Sheep also have good peripheral vision, with a view between 270 and 320 degrees. 

Both sheep and goats have adequate night vision and are happy to graze in the dark. However, they still see better in the daytime. The shape of their pupils controls the amount of light in the eye. More light is let in at night, and less light is let in during the brightest part of the day. 

Contrary to popular belief, goats and sheep can see color. However, because they only have two color receptors, they cannot see the full-color spectrum. These animals seem to notice yellow, orange, green, violet, blue, and red colors. 

Due to their excellent peripheral vision, they lack depth perception. Goats have slightly better depth perception (up to 63 degrees), especially peripheral depth perception. Sheep have a depth perception between 20 and 60 degrees. Due to their wide-angle vision, these grazing animals are extremely sensitive to motion. The slightest movement around them may startle them.