Sheep Stuffed Animals

While there is no firm data on whether or not sheep stuffed animals have surpassed teddy bears as the most popular plush toy given to young children, they are indeed the 'go-to' stuffed animal next to the always enchanting teddy bear.



Spiritually, sheep represent good and innocence, thus it's no wonder sheep stuffed animals are often given as gifts to newborn babies. Sheep stuffed animals are a happy alternative to a teddy bear plush toy, particularly if you can find one that has floppy arms and legs – this only enhances their softness and snuggability. In place of sheep stuffed animals, their offspring (called lambs) are also popular, particularly as gifts for babies. Given lambs are symbols of purity, it's no surprise to find that these plush toys are preferred baby gifts.



It is believed that sheep are descendants of the European and Asian wild mouflon -a sub-species of wild sheep. Sheep are also one of the first animals to be domesticated (over 10,000 years ago) specifically for their fleece, meat and milk. Their fleece is widely used to make wool and is removed from the animal by shearing their coats. A group of sheep is called a herd; females are referred to as ewes, males as rams or tups, and babies are lambs.



Domesticated sheep are quite different from their wild relatives and ancestors mostly due to man's human influence. Wild sheep may have horns whereas most domesticated sheep do not. Also unique to domestic sheep are their colors; wild sheep have mostly brown hues while their tame cousins color's range from pure white to a dark chocolate brown. Some are even spotted. Sheep with pure white fleece are highly sought after for commercial markets, but there is also a lesser known market for colored fleece which is used for hand spinning (an ancient art where animal fibers form yarn by being twisted together).



Some additional interesting facts about sheep include: if they fall over on their backs, they are unable to get up and need help to do so; they grow two teeth a year until there are eight in total; when drinking water, they prefer running to standing [water]; President Woodrow Wilson's wife, the First Lady, had sheep graze on the White House lawn to ensure it remained well trimmed at all times.



Sheep stuffed animals are available in a wide range of colors just like teddy bears. If authenticity is important to you, you may want to avoid blue and pink sheep stuffed animals and stick to more traditional colors like white and brown. Amongst domesticated animals, sheep sounds are one of the species children learn about first (in the song "Old MacDonald"), thus sheep stuffed animals are additionally popular for this reason. Once children recognize the animal, they are more apt to request having one as a keepsake. You can rest assured that sheep stuffed animals will take the same care with your child as a teddy bear would – with their happy go-lucky faces and soft bodies, sheep stuffed animals are a child's forever friend.



Angeline Hope is a collector of large plush stuffed animals. You can view a selection of large plush stuffed animals including
href="http://www.mybigplush.com/store2/Plush_Sheep_Stuffed_Animals.php">sheep stuffed animal toys at MyBigPlush.