Common Breeds of Goats in America
Worldwide there over 300 recognized breeds of goats, 14 of these have made their mark on both the American farming and pet communities. Here’s a little more information about them.
There are two leading registries in the United States for goats. They are The American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) and The American Goat Association (AGA). These breeds are generally broken down into 3 categories: dairy, meat and fiber. Here are some of their characteristics:
Dairy
1. Alpine: Known for being one of the friendliest personalities and curious, this is one of the largest breeds in America. The Doe stands no less than 30″ tall and weighs 130lbs, while the Buck is no less than 32″ tall and weighs in at 160lbs. They come in a variety of colors and have what’s called the “elegant look” in goats, which is the Roman nose, erect ears, and alert face. They do not do well in the heat, so are not a great pick for the Southern states, and their hooves must be trimmed monthly. Does typically give birth to twins.
Does are able to produce 1-2 gallons of milk per day. Their milk is low in butterfat content compared to other goats and has a strong Swiss cheese flavor to it.
2. American LaMancha: Known to make great pets due to their calm temperament and their ability to adapt easily to different environments, the American LaMancha is known for it’s extremely short ears, which come in two varieties: the gopher ear, which is about 1″, or the elf ear, which is about 2″. Does stand 28″ tall and weigh 130lbs and Bucks come in at 30″ and 165lbs. They typically birth twins or triplets.
While Does only produce about 1 gallon a day, they are considered high milk producers due to their ability to produce for 2 years at a time without the need for re-breeding. The milk has a high butterfat content.
3. Nigerian Dwarf: These are considered the best mini-breed for milk production. They’re popular as pets due to their low maintenance and good behavior. They are easily trained and can even enjoy being taken on walks! Does stand 17″-19″ tall, while the Buck can be up to 21″. They should weigh about 75 lbs, ideally. They come in a large variety of colors and will have either black or blue eyes. Does typically birth between 2-4 kids at a time. Their milk contains a very high fat content.
4. Nubian: Known for their long, floppy ears, Nubians are one of the most vocal of the goat breeds. Another large breed, Does stand 30″ tall and 130+lbs, while Bucks stand at 32″ and 160+lbs. Does typically have 2-3 kids per but can have up to 5!
Nubians are known for very high quality, high butterfat content milk with a sweet taste! This tends to be the goat milk of choice for a lot of cheeses, icecream, and various other goat milk treats. It’s gold, as the Does typically produce less than a gallon a day.
5. Oberhalsi: This breed is known for it’s striking chamois coloring. This is described as brown to reddish-brown with two black stripes from the eyes down the muzzle, a black head, and two black stripes running from the base of the ear down the the back to the tail. Does stand at 28″ and 120lbs, while Bucks stand at 30″ and 150lbs. Much like all the other breeds, they are considered friendly, but many farmers also find the calm, “strong” demeanor of the Bucks to be a special asset. Does typically have 1-4 kids per litter
Does produce .5-1.5 gallons of milk per day and this milk is a high butterfat content with a sweeter taste.
6. Saanen: Known for their long, skinny necks and not usually having horns, this is the largest of the dairy goats. Does stand at 32″ and weigh 135lbs, Bucks stand 36″ and weigh at least 185lbs, making this an extremely hardy breed of goat. Saanen are white in color, possibly with small black spots. Their personalities are gentle, friendly and often playful. They also thrive in all climates. Does typically have 1-2 kids per litter.
These are another favorite among dairy farmers because these big Does can produce up to 3 gallons of milk per day! With a low butterfat content, this is more similar to cows milk.
7. Sable: A descendant of the Saanen, the Sable is also known for being a sturdy, strong breed of goat. While the Saanen can only be white, the Sable can only be black, red or grey. They can have white markings, but no more than 50% of their body. They are well mannered and friendly. Does stand 32″ tall and weigh 135lbs, Bucks stand at 36″ and weigh at least 185lbs. They are considered a great starter goat for new dairy farmers. Does can expect 1-2 kids per litter
Just like the Saanen, they have high milk production with low butterfat content.
8. Toggenburg: The Toggenburg is the oldest recognized breed of dairy goat, originating in the Toggenburg Valley in Switzerland. They tend to be gentle natured and on the quiet side. Does stand 30″ and weigh at least 120lbs, while Bucks stand 33″ and weigh at least 150lbs. They are light brown to chocolate in color with white ears and 2 white stripes running down the muzzle.
They are known for a high milk production. Their milk is low in butterfat content and close to white in color, making it very similar, but more easily digestible than cows milk.
Meat
9. Boer: Here’s where we start seeing some horns! Boer goats are known for their large sturdy bodies with Does coming in at about 250lbs and bucks at 350! Even at this large size, they are considered great with children and other animals due to their intelligence and extremely calm demeanor. They are favored by farmers due to their hardiness and their resistance to disease (that’s a big one!). They have long, floppy ears and their bodies are typically white with a brown head. Does typically have 2 kids per litter.
10. Spanish: These are very independent goats, requiring little human intervention. This makes them a great breed for farmers with hard terrain to cover. While they are considered a meat producer, they are also making a great little dent in the vegetation removal market! They come in a wide range of colors and have long, magnificent horns. Although only about 20″ tall, they are hearty with Does reaching up to 150lbs and Bucks up to 250. Does typically have 2 kids per litter
11. Tennessee Fainting Goat: You’ve surely seen the videos online of these little guys being startled and falling over stiff. Don’t worry, the fainting doesn’t hurt them! It’s just a genetic condition that causes their muscles to tense up when startled. While they are raised for meat, they are becoming more popular to keep as pets due to their easy personalities and that they are teachable (plus people find the fainting funny). They average from 17″ to 25″ tall and 60-175lbs, but some Bucks have been known to make it to 200. Does average 2-3 kids per litter.
12. Savannah: While they’re hair is all white (though they can have some markings), their skin is black, making them an excellent choice for areas with a lot of high intensity sun exposure and they do well in difficult terrain. They have a lively, but friendly temperament. Between 19″-25″ tall, Does can reach up to 200lbs, while Bucks can get as big as 250. Does average 2-4 kids per litter.
13. Pygmy: Though listed in the meat category, Pygmy goats are becoming more commonly kept as pets due to their small stature. Does stand at a max of 22″ and 75lbs, while Bucks stand at a max of 23″ and 85lbs. They are known for a docile, friendly and playful, fun-loving temperament. And bonus! When kept as pets, lactating Does can easily keep the family stocked up on milk (1-2 liters per day). The milk is sweet and high in butterfat and higher in calcium, potassium and phosphorus than other dairy goat milk. Does typically have 2 kids per litter, but it’s not unheard of to have a surprise 3rd.
Fiber
14. Angora: You would recognize these goats by their long horns, long ears and their long, curly coats. Their curly coats are used to create mohair, usually being sheared twice a year. Does stand at 20″ and 75lbs, while Bucks stand at 26″ and 100lbs. They are relaxed, friendly and calm to a fault, making them not the ideal animals to put into mixed flocks due to their vulnerability to aggression from other animals. Twins and triplets are common litter sizes.