1. Boer
Description
The Boer goat is primarily raised for meat and is known for its high growth rate and excellent carcass quality.
3 Facts
- Originated in South Africa.
- Known for excellent feed conversion rates.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 30 inches, Females: 25 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 200-340 lbs, Females: 150-200 lbs
- Color Patterns: White body with a red head
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- South Africa
- United States
- Australia
2. Nubian
Description
The Nubian goat is primarily raised for dairy and is known for its high butterfat content in milk.
3 Facts
- Originated in England.
- Known for their long, floppy ears.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 32 inches, Females: 30 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 175-230 lbs, Females: 135-175 lbs
- Color Patterns: Various, including solid and multi-colored
- Horns: Usually dehorned at a young age
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
3. Saanen
Description
The Saanen goat is primarily raised for dairy and is known for its high milk yield.
3 Facts
- Originated in Switzerland.
- Known for their calm temperament.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 32 inches, Females: 30 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 200-250 lbs, Females: 150-200 lbs
- Color Patterns: White or cream
- Horns: Usually dehorned at a young age
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Countries Most Popular In
- Switzerland
- United States
- Australia
4. Alpine
Description
The Alpine goat is primarily raised for dairy and is known for its consistent milk production.
3 Facts
- Originated in France.
- Known for their upright ears.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 32 inches, Females: 30 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 175-230 lbs, Females: 135-175 lbs
- Color Patterns: Various, including solid and multi-colored
- Horns: Usually dehorned at a young age
- Average Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- France
- United States
- Canada
5. LaMancha
Description
The LaMancha goat is primarily raised for dairy and is known for its small, “elf-like” ears.
3 Facts
- Developed in the United States.
- Known for their calm temperament.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 30 inches, Females: 28 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 160-200 lbs, Females: 130-160 lbs
- Color Patterns: Various, including solid and multi-colored
- Horns: Usually dehorned at a young age
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United States
6. Toggenburg
Description
The Toggenburg goat is primarily raised for dairy and is known for its high-quality milk, suitable for cheese production.
3 Facts
- Originated in Switzerland.
- Known for their calm and gentle temperament.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 30 inches, Females: 28 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 160-200 lbs, Females: 120-160 lbs
- Color Patterns: Light brown with white stripes on the face
- Horns: Usually dehorned at a young age
- Average Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- Switzerland
- United States
- United Kingdom
7. Oberhasli
Description
The Oberhasli goat is primarily raised for dairy and is known for its high-quality milk.
3 Facts
- Originated in Switzerland.
- Known for their calm temperament.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 30 inches, Females: 28 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 150-200 lbs, Females: 120-160 lbs
- Color Patterns: Chamois (ranging from light to deep red bay)
- Horns: Usually dehorned at a young age
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- Switzerland
- United States
8. Nigerian Dwarf
Description
The Nigerian Dwarf goat is a miniature dairy goat breed known for its high butterfat content in milk.
3 Facts
- Originated in West Africa.
- Known for their small size and efficiency.
- Highly adaptable to different farming systems.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 23 inches, Females: 21 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 75-100 lbs, Females: 60-80 lbs
- Color Patterns: Various, including solid and multi-colored
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United States
- Nigeria
9. Pygmy
Description
The Pygmy goat is a small breed primarily raised for meat but also kept as a pet.
3 Facts
- Originated in West Africa.
- Known for their playful and friendly nature.
- Highly adaptable to different farming systems.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 23 inches, Females: 21 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 85-100 lbs, Females: 70-85 lbs
- Color Patterns: Various, including solid and multi-colored
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United States
- Nigeria
10. Kiko
Description
The Kiko goat is primarily raised for meat and is known for its hardiness and resistance to parasites.
3 Facts
- Developed in New Zealand.
- Known for excellent foraging abilities.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 30 inches, Females: 28 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 250-300 lbs, Females: 100-150 lbs
- Color Patterns: Various, including solid and multi-colored
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- New Zealand
- United States
- Australia
11. Myotonic (Fainting Goat)
Description
The Myotonic goat, also known as the Fainting goat, is primarily raised for meat and is known for its muscle stiffness that causes it to “faint.”
3 Facts
- Developed in the United States.
- Known for their unique “fainting” characteristic due to a genetic muscle disorder.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 25 inches, Females: 22 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 130-180 lbs, Females: 100-120 lbs
- Color Patterns: Various, including solid and multi-colored
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United States
12. Cashmere
Description
The Cashmere goat is primarily raised for its luxurious cashmere wool.
3 Facts
- Originated in Kashmir, India.
- Known for their high-quality cashmere wool.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 28 inches, Females: 25 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 125-175 lbs, Females: 100-135 lbs
- Color Patterns: Various, including solid and multi-colored
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Countries Most Popular In
- India
- United States
- Australia
13. Sable
Description
The Sable goat is a dairy breed known for its high milk yield and is a variant of the Saanen goat.
3 Facts
- Developed in Switzerland.
- Known for their high milk production.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 30 inches, Females: 28 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 175-230 lbs, Females: 145-165 lbs
- Color Patterns: Black, brown, or mixed
- Horns: Usually dehorned at a young age
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- Switzerland
- United States
14. Angora
Description
The Angora goat is primarily raised for its mohair, a type of luxurious wool.
3 Facts
- Originated in Turkey.
- Known for their high-quality mohair.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 28 inches, Females: 25 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 180-225 lbs, Females: 110-130 lbs
- Color Patterns: White
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- Turkey
- United States
- South Africa
15. Jamnapari
Description
The Jamnapari goat is primarily raised for meat and milk and is one of the largest goat breeds.
3 Facts
- Originated in India.
- Known for their large size and long ears.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 35 inches, Females: 32 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 200-260 lbs, Females: 150-200 lbs
- Color Patterns: Various, including solid and multi-colored
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- India
- Indonesia
16. Spanish Goat
Description
The Spanish goat is primarily raised for meat and is known for its hardiness and adaptability.
3 Facts
- Originated in Spain but developed in the United States.
- Known for their excellent foraging abilities.
- Highly adaptable to different climates and terrains.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 28 inches, Females: 26 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 200-250 lbs, Females: 100-150 lbs
- Color Patterns: Various, including solid and multi-colored
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United States
- Mexico
17. Rove
Description
The Rove goat is primarily raised for dairy and is known for its high-quality milk, suitable for cheese production.
3 Facts
- Originated in France.
- Known for their long, twisted horns.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 32 inches, Females: 30 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 200-250 lbs, Females: 150-200 lbs
- Color Patterns: Black or dark brown
- Horns: Long, twisted horns
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- France
18. Kinder
Description
The Kinder goat is a dual-purpose breed known for both its meat and milk production.
3 Facts
- Developed in the United States.
- Known for their high milk yield and quality meat.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 28 inches, Females: 26 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 140-200 lbs, Females: 110-140 lbs
- Color Patterns: Various, including solid and multi-colored
- Horns: Usually dehorned at a young age
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United States
19. Verata
Description
The Verata goat is primarily raised for meat but also produces good quality milk.
3 Facts
- Originated in Spain.
- Known for their resistance to diseases.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 30 inches, Females: 28 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 180-220 lbs, Females: 130-160 lbs
- Color Patterns: Black or dark brown
- Horns: Long, twisted horns
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- Spain
20. Damascus
Description
The Damascus goat is primarily raised for meat and milk and is known for its long, drooping ears.
3 Facts
- Originated in Syria.
- Known for their large size and long ears.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 35 inches, Females: 32 inches
- Average Weight: Males: 200-260 lbs, Females: 150-200 lbs
- Color Patterns: Red or brown
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Countries Most Popular In
- Syria
- Lebanon