Sheep were medium-sized herd mammals raised for wool, meat, and milk. Adults stood around three feet at the shoulder and weighed between 100 and 200 pounds, though larger breeds reached more. Their heavy coats grew continuously and required regular shearing in domesticated flocks. In the wild, shedding occurred naturally as seasons changed, but most sheep were domesticated Beasts, covered in thick, curly wool that varied in colour. Female sheep were called "ewes", while male sheep were called "rams", possessing sharp horns and an aggressive temper.
Sheep generally avoided combat, fleeing predators when possible, though male sheep defended their herds against smaller threats by charging with their horns. A startled group moved as one, driven by instinct to stay close to the center and follow the lead of dominant individuals. Their senses of hearing and smell were strong, but their eyesight was poor at distance. Predators such a the Wolf exploited this, and flocks depended on shepherds, Dogs, or enclosed pastures for safety.
Unlike most herd animals, sheep thrived in rocky terrain and mountain pastures; they tolerated cold and temperate climates well, but did not fare well in hotter climates. Sheep shaped early settlement patterns through the land they required and the trade they supported. Their wool became a key material in clothing and currency, while their grazing cleared ground for other uses. Over generations of selective breeding, they lost much of their independence, becoming one of the most docile and managed animals in the world.