Objectives The current status of developing mutton sheep industry in China was studied and the research hotspots were analyzed to provide data support for the sustainable development of the meat sheep industry. Methods A knowledge map of relevant literatures with the theme of " mutton sheep" from EI, Peking University Core, CSCD, and CSSCI sources in the CNKI journal database was drawn and analyzed based on CiteSpace 6.3.R1 (64 bit) bibliometric software. Results The number of literatures published on the development of mutton sheep industry in China is increasing, with Diao Qiyu being the scholar with the highest number of papers, and the Institute of Feed/Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences being the institution with the highest number of papers. Institutions are scattered, with significantly different research fields and directions. The studies on the development of mutton sheep industry mainly focused on three aspects including the performance, the breeds of mutton sheep, and the industrial benefits. The research hotspots have evolved from aspects including the reproduction, feeding management, and breeds of mutton sheep to their economic benefits, health management, and production performance, and further to industrial development, green and healthy breeding, and product promotion. Conclusions The research hotspots have undergone three major shifts: from macro to micro, from holistic to partial, and from focusing solely on production to balancing both environment and benefits. Studies on the models and technological innovation of industry are two major research hotspots.