The misconception about sheep not being too bright, may come from using them as conveniences for humans, and "stock", and people not bothering to form real relationships with them. Most creatures will either fear or ignore humans unless they are brought into a sense of relationship with them.
Then, I think the negative stereotype became a little bit amusing for people....maybe (like LPC said) that attitude was convenient because we treat them like commodities, and turn a blind eye to their suffering and slaughter when the time comes for it. For most farmers, sheep are stock, therefore money, therefore commodities.
But anyone who has hand-reared a lamb will know that they are not stupid.
I knew a hand-reared sheep once. She lived in a field in North Wales, with all the other sheep. When I walked past they all ran away, except her. She would come to the fence bleating at me, following me along the fence, until I payed her some attention. She loved ear-scratches and belly rubs. Just like a dog! She put her head on one side to take in what I was saying to her.
She brought a lot of laughter and fun to the long walk and climb down and then back up the 1000ft when I went to the village for supplies. It was obvious she was not stupid.
Then, I think the negative stereotype became a little bit amusing for people....maybe (like LPC said) that attitude was convenient because we treat them like commodities, and turn a blind eye to their suffering and slaughter when the time comes for it. For most farmers, sheep are stock, therefore money, therefore commodities.
But anyone who has hand-reared a lamb will know that they are not stupid.
I knew a hand-reared sheep once. She lived in a field in North Wales, with all the other sheep. When I walked past they all ran away, except her. She would come to the fence bleating at me, following me along the fence, until I payed her some attention. She loved ear-scratches and belly rubs. Just like a dog! She put her head on one side to take in what I was saying to her.
She brought a lot of laughter and fun to the long walk and climb down and then back up the 1000ft when I went to the village for supplies. It was obvious she was not stupid.
