These Popular Dairy Goat Breeds Are Perfect for Beginners
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Many will agree there can be no greater joy than raising and nurturing animals. Whether they live inside amongst the family or remain outside grazing the fields, our animal friends give back in more ways than one. And if you’ve already tackled the challenge of raising chickens then why not consider adding goats to your growing farm family. According to USDA’s Animal and Plant Inspection Service, the goat industry is booming with goat milk sales exceeding 90 million over the last decade. But beyond their home-scale dairy production capabilities, they also provide wonderful companionship.
But there are many varieties (like over a 100 different breeds!) and factors to consider before making a purchase. Jessy Shanks, a Small Ruminant Extension Specialist for the University of Tennessee suggests contacting your local County Extension Agent to learn more about the programs available to new owners. Find out what each goat breed requires (environment, nutrition and forage), educate yourself about dairy goat management, and learn about breed standards. (The American Dairy Goat Association website is a great resource.) “I would suggest doing your research and finding a breed that is both interesting to you and meets your needs and goals,” says Jesse. “For example, if you want a dairy breed then you might consider Saanens or Nubians. If you would like a smaller breed, then you might prefer the Nigerian Dwarf or Pygmy breeds. Do your research; find a good, reputable breeder; and try to purchase new animals directly from that breeder’s farm.”
To help you decide which goat breed is the best for your farm, we’ve rounded up a list of the 10 most common dairy goat breeds in the U.S., from smaller, pet-friendly breeds to larger breeds that are high volume milk producers.
For More on Your Favorite Animals:
Nigerian Dwarf Goat
As their name implies, Nigerian Dwarf goats are of West African origin and on the smaller side at just 23.5'' for males and 22.5'' for females. Their diminutive size means they produce less milk on average than other dairy goats (about 795 pounds per year) but it also makes Nigerian Dwarf Goats ideal for smaller farms and they make great pets. Some have horns and others are naturally hornless.
Amber Bradshaw, author, blogger and founder of My Homestead Life, regularly shares her experiences maintaining a homestead with seven Nigerian Dwarf Goats while living off the grid. “Goats are not just livestock; they are playful, intelligent, and affectionate companions. Our youngest daughter found her best friends in our goats. They jumped with her on the trampoline, eagerly drank from baby bottles she offered, and ran alongside her daily.”
Alpine Goat
A breed that originated in the French Alps, Alpine goats are hardy and adaptable to most climate constraints. They are popular for their milking ability averaging about 2,715 pounds per year, making them one of the most popular dairy goats in the U.S. Alpines are known for being curious, intelligent, and friendly. They also come in a variety of colors like brown, black, gray and white with long curvy horns and beards or “tufts” under their chin. According to the American Dairy Goat Association, the mature Alpine can live up to 18 years old and weigh around 135 pounds, standing 30 inches high.
Angora Goat
When you think about the fluffy and soft looking goats that are the source for those luxurious sweaters fashion-forward ladies covet, it’s likely to be from the Angora line. They are typically sheared twice a year producing up to 10 pounds of long silky mohair fiber. They tend to be smaller than most dairy goats and have a lifespan of about 10 years. Adult females stand 36 inches tall and weigh between 70–110 pounds while males stand around 48 inches tall and weigh 180–225 pounds.
Saanen Goat
The Saanen breed began in Switzerland and these goats are easy to spot as they are always white in color and have erect ears that point a bit forwards. Weighing up to 145 pounds and 30 inches tall, they’re the largest dairy goat breed as well as excellent milk producers, and adaptable to most climates. They’re also easy to train and are known for being calm and friendly, making them a good pick for farms with children.
Note: Sable Goats are the same as Saanens except for their coloration, which can be tan, brown, black, or patterned (they’re sometimes referred to as “Saanens in party clothes.”)
Nubian Goat
Nubian goats come in a variety of colors, but you can always spot one thanks to their long, floppy ears that look a bit like bunny ears. Nubians are popular with ice cream and cheese makers as their milk is high in butterfat and protein.
Dr. Brent Ridge, co-founder of Beekman 1802, a skin and bodycare company, carefully sources milk for their products from 24 goat dairies around the country specifically chosen because of their humane farming practice. He also keeps a herd of mixed breeds on his farm (tour their farmhouse here) and has advice on how to raise happy and healthy goats. “Studies have shown that just by doing something simple like naming your animals and referring to them by name can actually increase the quality and quantity of milk they produce. Yet another example of the power of kindness.”
LaMancha Goat
While LaMancha goats have short, fine and shiny coats in a range of colors, it’s their miniature ears (known as elf ears) or almost earless (known as gopher ears) appearance that distinguish them from the rest. They tend to be top milk producers, second to Alpine goats, and smaller than most dairy goats. LaManchas are also incredibly sweet and gentle, which makes them excellent pets, too. Like other dairy breeds, some may have wattles or hair-covered skin tissue hanging from the chin/throat area otherwise known as “bells” or “skin tags.” They weigh between 130-160 pounds and stand 28-30 inches in height.
Toggenburg Goat
Toggenburgs are among the first official breeds of dairy goats imported to the U.S. from Switzerland. They reached international status due to their strong stature and friendly personality. Their coats are typically brown from light fawn to dark chocolate and they tend to have distinct white markings on their ears, face, lower legs and tail. You often see both sexes with beards or wattles and they sometimes have long horns that curve backwards. Toggenburgs are considered mid-size dairy goats sometimes reaching up to 150 pounds and 26-30 inches tall.
Oberhasli Goat
A copper hued coat with black trim sets these mid-sized dairy goats apart, as do their notably calm personalities. These traditionally Swiss mountain goats or “chamois-colored goats” often feature wattles but only the males have beards. The average height is 28-34 inches and they can weigh from 120-150 pounds. Mountain goats tend to be less suited for damp/humid climates but over time that has improved, though it’s good to keep in mind when considering. And while Oberhaslis produce less milk on average than other dairy goats (1,650 pounds per year), their milk is generally sought after for its quality and sweet taste.
Myotonic Goat
Myotonic goats are a non-dairy breed that is popular due to their inability to escape fences and mellow disposition. They are also referred to as “wooden leg goats” because they have an unusual hereditary condition called myotonia congenita that causes their limbs to stiffen so they fall over or appear to “faint” for a few seconds when frightened or excited. They tend to thrive in warmer climates and are used for meat production. Myotonic goats are smaller in size averaging 17-25 inches tall, but can be quite meaty weighing 60-174 pounds.
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Boer Goat
Another popular non-dairy goat that is also raised for meat is the Boer. This breed originates from South Africa and are amongst the largest goats in terms of size (42 inches) and weight (190-340 pounds). Their coloring is typically a white body with brown spotting. They make wonderful family pets due to their sweet disposition and are suited to breeding as they are especially known to be nurturing to their young. Boers have a longer lifespan than other breeds with some living up to twenty years. Because of their hardiness, they can adapt to most climates and tend to be less prone to diseases.
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