Top 35 Goat Breeds with a Brief Description of Each Type

When buying goats for breeding, first decide on the end goal. What is the animal needed for? There are several options.

Some breeders focus on meat breeds, others are more interested in milk production or wool. The article describes popular goat breeds for certain purposes, the relevance of their acquisition.

By characteristics

Depending on national traditions and needs, goats are divided according to productivity:

• woolen;
• downy;
• dairy;
• meat;
• dairy and meat.

Dairy products made from goat milk are in constant demand. And the high quality of wool and down is widely used even in the production of large textile enterprises.

Dairy goat breeds

As a result of centuries of selection, several dozen dairy goat breeds have been developed.

Distinctive characteristics of dairy breeds:

• triangular body structure;
• straight back;
• round belly;
• developed udder.

Depending on the breed, goats have different lactation periods, milk yields, and fertility.

The best dairy breeds:

• Saanen;
• Megrelian;
• Toggenburg;
• Russian white;
• Nubian;
• Gorky;
• La Mancha;
• Alpine dairy;
• Cameroonian;
• Czech brown.

Representatives of the Saanen breed are rightfully considered high-yielding goats, capable of producing 8 liters of milk per day. In addition, the fat content of such milk is several times higher than cow’s milk.

Dairy goat breeds are selected not only based on productivity, but also taking into account the conditions of maintenance and the level of adaptation to the region.

Advice! Compliance with hygiene rules and feeding regimen will help significantly improve the quality of milk and reduce unpleasant odor.

Breeds of dairy goats without odor increase the chances of a stable market for dairy products. It is no secret that milk has a specific odor that remains even after heat treatment. Such breeds include “Gorky” and “Alpine”.

Meat breeds of goats

Meat breeds of goats are distinguished by their large size. Goats have a rather short lactation period, and their milk is only sufficient for the young.

The most common:

• Boer;
• Greek;
• Kiko;
• Black Anatolian.

Goats of meat breeds usually have a calm, peaceful character, they are not demanding to feed. The meat can be called dietary, its high taste qualities provide the product with a constantly growing demand.

Downy goats

Down goat breeds are characterized by a large build and a small amount of milk. Male goats have much more down than female goats, so males are a priority for such purposes.

Dairy goats are kept primarily for the purpose of producing offspring. Maximum productivity is observed in animals that have reached the age of 4-5 years.

The fluff is combed out in winter, with breaks of 1-1,5 months.

The most common specialized down breeds of goats are:

• Orenburg;
• Gornoaltayskaya;
• Pridonskaya;
• Angora;
• Black down.

Depending on the breed and age, you can get from 300 to 700 grams or more of down at one time.

Wool goats

Goats of the wool breed provide high-quality wool. It is hygroscopic, elastic, and is used for any type of yarn. It has medicinal properties.

Popular wool breeds:

• Tuvan;
• Tajik;
• Uzbek;
• Soviet wool;
• British Angora.

The quality of the wool is affected by the quality of the feed and maintenance. Animals need to be sheared regularly, 1-2 times a year.

Hornless goats

To avoid injuries and for the safety of people and animals, many prefer to keep polled (hornless) animals on their farm. Most of them are dairy breeds: Saanen, Toggenburg, Nubian, La Mancha, Czech Brown.

Dwarf goat breeds

Miniature goats are not only cute, but also quite profitable to breed. Dwarf breeds, without taking up much space, retain all the functions. These breeds are not chosen for industrial-scale production.

Popular dwarf breeds:

• Nigerian;
• Cameroonian;
• Model of the farmstead.

Reference! Dwarf goats have strong immunity: they tolerate both high temperatures and severe frosts very well.

Such small animals do not require a large amount of feed. Mini-goats produce very fatty milk, and one goat can produce up to 1,5 liters per day after lambing.

Names of goat breeds with description

Below is a selection of goat breeds with photographs and descriptions.

Saanen

Photo:

The most popular and productive dairy goat breed.

Distinguishing characteristics:

• short white hair;
• absence of horns;
• short head;
• long body;
• straight back;
• developed udder.

Dairy goats of the Saanen breed give up to 4 liters of tasty fatty milk per day after the first lambing. In addition to milk, the meat also has high taste qualities.

Keeping goats does not require special skills or excessive investment. A specific smell appears only when hygiene rules are not observed and the feed is of poor quality.

Nubian

Goats of African origin were successfully bred by the British.

The main characteristic features of the Anglo-Nubian breed:

• long hanging ears;
• small oval-shaped head;
• wide nose with a hump;
• absence of horns in goats;
• massive body;
• thin legs;
• short hair.

The color of the “Nubians” is very diverse. There are animals with brown, black and golden shades. Often the color is mixed.

The animals are distinguished by their temperamental character and noisy behavior. During the period of active lactation, they give 3 liters of fatty, healthy milk. The goats are large, adult individuals can reach 100 kg.

Alpine 

Photo:

The mountain breed is distinguished by high endurance, unpretentiousness, and the ability to adapt to any conditions of maintenance. Due to its popularity in France, the breed received another name – “French”.

Characteristic differences:

• long flat muzzle;
• erect ears;
• strong flat horns;
• short hair.

The color is rarely uniform, in most cases the wool has two or even three shades. Alpine goats are distinguished by high fertility. Already at the first lambing, no less than 2 kids are born. Adults give birth to 4 and 5 kids per lambing. They give at least 3-5 liters of milk per day. They are also distinguished by a calm, peaceful nature.

Czech

This breed of goat cannot be confused with any other. The chocolate-colored wool and the characteristic black stripe on the back gave rise to the popular name – “Siamese”.

Distinctive features:

• bright head;
• black erect ears;
• black knee-highs on the legs;
• average build.

The breed is popular not only due to its external attractiveness, but also due to its high productivity. They have a peaceful and friendly character. Czech breed goats are unpretentious in relation to feed, very clean.

La Mancha goats

Obtained as a result of many years of work by breeders, goats of these breeds do not have the same color. There are individuals with white, gray and brown shades.

Distinctive features:

• developed muscular system;
• medium sized body;
• large udder;
• small ears.

Reference! Lamancha breeds are prone to obesity. It is not recommended to overfeed goats before a planned mating.

La Mancha breeds include polled individuals and goats with horns. Prolific goats are capable of producing 3-4 kids in one lambing. The highly productive breed provides up to 4-5 liters of milk per day.

Toggenburg

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The Swiss dairy breed is compact in size compared to similar dairy goats. The fur shades range from deep brown to light and even golden.

Distinctive characteristics of the breed:

• 2 parallel white stripes on the head;
• straight back;
• thin graceful legs;
• medium length hair;
• large udder;
• white “knees”, the back of the back and the front of the muzzle.

Characterized by high productivity and fertility. Easily adapts to difficult weather conditions. Distinguished by rapid growth and sexual maturity.

Boer

This widespread meat breed is highly productive and is in demand all over the world.

Distinctive features:

• powerful body;
• heavy weight;
• short thick coat;
• large oval head;
• large hanging ears;
• short powerful legs;
• developed muscular system;
• medium-sized, backward-curving horns.

Adults can grow up to 140 kilograms or more. The color is predominantly white, with a cream shade. The head and ears are brown.

It is characterized by rapid growth rates, calm disposition and balance. The breed is bred for its high-quality meat, similar in taste to veal.

The breed is unpretentious, undemanding to feed, easily tolerates heat. Rarely affected by diseases. Not recommended for breeding with a harsh climate and severe frosts.

Russian white

The photo:

Despite its name, the Russian White breed comes in different shades of fur: black and brown.

The main characteristic differences:

• strong build;
• short stature;
• elongated narrow muzzle;
• voluminous udder;
• small erect ears;
• beard;
• large, crescent-shaped horns.

The breed has short-haired and long-haired individuals. It is very fertile, giving birth to 2-3 kids twice a year, which gain weight very quickly. Milk has a high fat content, up to 700-800 liters during the lactation period.

The breed standard is easily recognizable by the shape of the body, horns and head. Russian Whites easily acclimatize to both frosty winters and hot summer weather.

Shami goats

The dairy goats of the Shami breed are distinguished by their unusual exotic appearance, thanks to which they cannot be confused with anyone else. The origin is the Middle East, where these noble animals are called “divinely beautiful”.

Characteristic features of the breed:

• hook-nosed profile;
• long, narrow, hanging ears;
• large build;
• small head;
• long legs and neck;
• eyes of light shades.

Historically, when choosing a Damascus goat, the shape of the head and profile is the predominant factor, rather than productivity. Adults have thick, dark brown fur.

The Damascus goat easily tolerates climate changes, regardless of the season. It is distinguished by its calm disposition and friendliness.

Gorkovskaya

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A common dairy breed is characterized by excessive activity and mobility. Goats are very sociable and friendly, and the owner is an unquestionable authority and leader for them.

Notable features:

• medium length coat, smooth;
• narrow, thin muzzle;
• thin, transparent ears;
• strong build;
• broad chest;
• straight back;
• thin legs;
• developed udder.

The classic white color is also a characteristic feature. The goats are very fertile, producing 2-3 kids per lambing. High productivity of both milk and excellent quality meat is noted.

Black goat breeds

Thanks to the work and experience of breeders, there are breeds of goats that are exclusively black.

Among the most common black breeds are:

• Black down;
• Bengal Black;
• Anatolian black;
• Baladian black.

The color is predominantly black in goats of wool and down breeds.

Black down

The goat was bred in Uzbekistan, has a large, regular body shape. The body is proportional, the head is medium-sized, the ears hang down on the sides, there are small horns, a fluffy tail. Females weigh up to 40 kg, males – up to 80 kg.

Advantages:

• good bouffant;
• unpretentiousness in maintenance, food;
• high quality down;
• frost resistance;
• tasty meat.

Disadvantages:

• loss of down during molting;
• the importance of timely combing;
• risk of disease.

Black Anatolian

These goats are especially common in agricultural lands in Russia. The animals are easy to care for and quickly adapt to any weather conditions. The goats are black or dark brown with specks.

The animal weighs up to 70 kg. Despite their small size, kids quickly gain weight and are unpretentious in care. There are yearling animals weighing 36 kg or when they reach 60-75% of the adult body weight.

Advantages:

• good immunity;
• tolerance to harsh climates;
• aesthetics of the breed;
• rapid weight gain;
• high fertility.

Disadvantages:

• the need for grooming;
• hoof condition monitoring.

Cameroonian

Miniature animals are bred as ornamental breeds and as a practical option for keeping a large number of individuals in a small area. The color of the thick wool is varied, from creamy caramel to blue-black. Spotted kids are often born.

Characteristic differences:

• small, crescent-shaped horns;
• large ears;
• large erect tail;
• small weight and body size.

The milk has a specific “goat” smell, has a long shelf life, and has medicinal properties. Miniature goats are fertile, undemanding to food and living conditions.

The meat is dietary, with a minimum fat content. Cameroon goats are highly intelligent and friendly, and are easy to train.

Kamori

The Pakistani breed is a dairy type of goat. The attractive exotic appearance ensures the demand for goats as a decorative animal. The black short wool has spots of red, white and yellow.

Distinctive features:

• large long body;
• high slender legs;
• long hanging ears;
• large erect tail.

Milk productivity is average, from 1,5 to 4 liters. Goats have a strong immune system, rarely get sick, and easily tolerate climatic anomalies. They quickly gain weight, and their meat is in demand due to its high taste qualities.

Angora 

One of the oldest breeds, with a characteristic and unique coat. Also valued for its tasty meat and milk.

Main differences:

• thick silky coat;
• small size;
• The horns of female goats are small and curved backwards, while those of male goats are spiral-shaped and powerful;
• small beard, small tail.

The wool of the Angora goat breed is the main reason for keeping them. They are sheared twice a year. On average, depending on the sex and age, you can get from 4 to 7 kg of excellent quality wool.

Angoras acclimatize well, are unpretentious in care and undemanding in food.

Beetal

The breed is of Indian origin, compact, with a minimum amount of wool. It is valued for its unpretentiousness and high productivity. During the lactation period, the goat produces up to 200 liters of healthy milk.

Characteristic differences:

• massive but small body;
• hook-nosed profile;
• long and wide hanging ears;
• spiral horns curved backwards;
• developed udder;
• high graceful legs.

The coat is thick, short, dark in shades with partial white pigmentation.

Malagueña

The breed is of Spanish origin and belongs to the dairy type.

Distinctive features:

• developed udder;
• average build;
• small erect ears;
• absence of horns;
• short hair.

The Spanish consider the meat of this breed a delicacy. Goats produce 2-3 liters of milk per day. The color varies from golden-fawn to bright red and brown.

Altai breed goats

The down breed of goats of Russian selection was bred relatively recently. The main characteristic is a harmonious physique and uniformity of color.

Distinctive features:

• compact size;
• thick wavy hair;
• large wide chest;
• powerful curved horns in the shape of a crescent;
• short legs.

Altai goats do not produce much milk. They are valued for their tasty meat and high-quality wool and down. The color of the wool is either black or white; mixed colors do not occur in pure breeds. When combing, one adult can collect up to 500-700 g of down of excellent quality.

Barbari

The breed belongs to the mixed, meat and dairy type.

Characteristic features:

• short hair;
• average body size;
• bulging eyes;
• short tubular ears;
• small straight horns.

Color – mostly light, with a little pigmentation of brown and black shades. The “knees”, ears, and tip of the muzzle are of the same color. They are distinguished by fast growth rates, rapid sexual maturation, and increased immunity.

Megrelian

Goats come from Georgia. The distinctive feature of the breed is its compact size. At the withers, the animal reaches 60 cm, weighs no more than 30 kg.

The dwarf goat has a powerful chest, a long body, erect ears, an elongated muzzle, and a short tail. The animal has short hair, and its fur color is all shades of brown. There are also white individuals.

During the lactation period (200 days), the Megrelian goat produces 350 liters of odorless milk with 3,2% fat content. In winter, milk production decreases, which is due to the peculiarities of nutrition. During lambing, the female gives birth to up to 2 kids.

Advantages:

• strong immunity;
• good adaptive performance;
• high viability;
• odorless milk;

Disadvantages:

• moderate milk yield;
• high price of the breed;
• difficulty of purchase.

Orenburg

Long-haired goats come from the Southern Urals. The animals are distinguished by their large size: the female weighs from 45 kg, the male – from 75 kg. Black Orenburg goats are more common, red and gray ones are less common.

Thanks to the warm fluff, the animals are frost-resistant, quickly adapt to low temperatures, which does not affect their high fertility. One goat can produce up to 600 g of high-quality fluff.

Advantages:

• high productivity;
• good adaptive performance;
• aesthetics of the breed;
• rapid growth;
• strong immunity.

Disadvantages:

• heat intolerance;
• tendency to poisoning;
• deterioration of down quality in cramped conditions.

Gornoaltayskaya

The goat is native to Altai and is adapted to harsh climatic conditions. The animal has a proportional body, well-developed muscles and a uniform (brown) color. At the withers, the goats reach 65 cm, weigh up to 40 kg.

One goat can produce 750-1 g of high-quality fluff, and a female goat – 000-550 g. The product is soft and pleasant to the touch. Warm scarves and shawls, and clothing insulation are made from fluff.

Advantages:

• aesthetic appearance;
• high productivity;
• frost resistance;
• strong immunity;

Disadvantages:

• heat intolerance;
• dependence of fur quality on maintenance conditions;
• high price.

Pridonskaya

The goat was bred in the steppe regions of the Don. Externally, it is a small animal with long fur (9-12 cm) of white or gray color. At the withers, the Pridonskaya goat reaches 70 cm, males weigh from 70 kg, females – about 40 kg.

The animals are fertile, up to 3 kids are born. One goat can produce from 400 to 1,5 kg of soft and elastic fluff, depending on the gender, conditions of keeping, and feeding characteristics.

Advantages:

• high productivity;
• rapid growth;
• docile nature;
• frost resistance;
• external attractiveness.

Disadvantages:

• difficulties of care;
• dependence of fur quality on maintenance conditions;
• risk of disease.

Tuva

These are small animals, they give up to 1,5 kg of wool per year depending on age and gender. Goats are not distinguished by high productivity: meat content is low, milk yield is 100 kg, which is spent on feeding the kids. The fertility rate is 1-2 kids per lambing.

Advantages:

• high quality wool;
• frost resistance;
• good adaptive performance;
• external attractiveness;
• disease resistance.

Disadvantages:

• molting;
• the need to get a haircut twice a year;
• difficulty of care.

Tajik

This is a variety of the Soviet breed from Tajikistan. The animals have an unattractive appearance: gray hair twists into small ropes and hangs from the body.

The goats are small in size: males reach 65 cm at the withers and weigh up to 60 kg. Representatives of the Tajik breed have a proportional body, hanging ears and small horns.

Advantages:

• high productivity;
• frost resistance;
• calm character;
• disease resistance.

Disadvantages:

• unkempt appearance;
• decreased productivity during molting;
• high price.

Uzbek

The goat was bred in Uzbekistan, hence the corresponding name. The animals have a long body, a massive back and a short neck. At the withers, the male reaches 70 cm, the female – 55 cm. The male goat weighs up to 80 kg, the female – 40 kg.

Goats have high-quality wool, up to 1 kg can be collected from 3 animal per year. Goats shed seasonally, which reduces the productivity rate.

Advantages:

• high productivity;
• good adaptive performance;
• frost resistance;
• tasty meat;
• strong immunity.

Disadvantages:

• the need to cut hair twice a year;
• difficulty of care;
• coarse wool.

Soviet wool

Goats are native to Kazakhstan. The animals are adapted to harsh climate conditions and graze on mountain pastures. Despite their small size, goats have a massive build and long hair that hangs from their bodies in uneven tassels 18-22 cm long.

The fertility rate is moderate. During one lambing, the female gives birth to 1-1 kids. But the strength of the wool reaches 2-12 kg.

Advantages:

• frost resistance;
• soft, pleasant to the touch wool;
• strong immunity;
• high productivity;
• docile nature.

Disadvantages:

• low fertility;
• features of care;
• unaesthetic appearance.

Greek

This is a goat with Greek roots from the island of Crete. The animal has a long muzzle, an elongated body, erect ears, and eyes set back. The goats are short-haired and have an original color (white, black, brown, gray individuals).

Advantages:

• aesthetics of the breed;
• high productivity;
• strong immunity;
• absence of smell in milk and meat.

Disadvantages:

• eating green plants;
• difficulty of purchase;
• high price.

Kiko

These are domestic goats native to New Zealand. The animals have a large build, hanging ears, and short but very warm fur.

Goats are distinguished by a long beard, twisted horns, large dimensions compared to the female. Female goats are smaller, have a good maternal instinct, and produce up to 2-3 kids per lambing.

Goats are highly valued for their tasty, dietary meat, which is used to prepare delicacies. In terms of profitability, the costs of keeping domestic animals are more than worth it.

Advantages:

• small sizes;
• good weight gain;
• strong immunity;
• frost resistance;
• developed maternal instinct.

Disadvantages:

• a small amount of milk;
• rarity of the breed;
• feeding features.

Snowy

This is a rare species of goat that lives in North America. Their wool is as white as the mountain peaks covered in pristine snow.

The animals live in the mountains, at a significant altitude above sea level, which is why their fur has unique thermal insulation properties.

The individuals are large, with short but sharp horns curved backwards, and strong limbs. The gestation period lasts six months, with each litter usually producing one kid. Life expectancy ranges from 12 to 20 years, depending on the conditions of keeping.

Mongolian

This is a local variety of small goats. These individuals are universal – they provide the owner with all the products of goat breeding with uniform productivity. The low fertility of the animals is more than compensated for by the highest quality of the products.

Zongwei

This breed is an aboriginal Chinese species, oriented for breeding at significant altitudes, at certain temperatures and humidity. This will allow obtaining unique skins of month-old kids with white shiny hair. The color of the animals is predominantly white, the horns are unusual, spiral.

Korean

Local Korean goats that produce meat and milk. Black color predominates, gray individuals can be found occasionally. Average litter is 1 kid, the interval between lambings is about ten months. Features: erect short ears, straight head profile, curved horns directed backwards.

Nigerian