20 Well-Known Types Of Goat Breeds with Images

While goats can be entertaining to watch, they can also become bullies if they are allowed to get too close to humans. Although it is easy to assume that all goats are the same, there are many goat breeds that merit recognition. Some goats are excellent milk producers while others are well known for their meat. Others are more well-known as pets. Here’s a list of the 20 most popular goat breeds.

1. LaMancha Goat

These animals are considered dairy goats and can withstand all weather conditions. The LaMancha goat is small in ears and has a large round belly. These large, muscular animals produce milk rich in protein and fat. This gives them a rich taste and smooth texture. This breed of goat is playful, curious, and interactive with other animals and people who spend time with them.

2. The Alpine Goat

Alpine goats are a product of the Swiss Alps. They have introduced to the rest of the world decades ago. The goats can grow to large sizes, reaching 32 inches in height as adults. Their hair is short and solid in color. They are graceful and agile when moving, but can also be strong-willed when strangers approach them.

3. The Toggenburg Goat

This goat breed is believed to be one of the oldest. Toggenburg goats have long, straight ears and a beard that gives them an intelligent look. Their short, strong legs and brown or gray hair have white markings. This breed makes low-fat milk which is not suitable for making butter, cream, or cheese.

4. The Nubian Goat

Nubian goats are adorable, playful, charming, and full of personality. They are great pets and also make good milk producers. They can produce milk all year round because they have such a long breeding period. The long ears of these goats hang down from their heads and make them look sad. You will be pleasantly surprised to discover that Nubian goats are cheerful once you spend time with them.

5. The Myotonic Goat

These fascinating goats have a recessive gene that causes their muscles to lock up when they are afraid or startled. They may fall over temporarily when this happens. The Myotonic goat is a popular breed in most rural and agricultural areas of the United States. They have strong muscles and thick fur.

6. The Verata Goat

Their horns are the most striking feature of the Verata goat. Their horns grow so long they can twist and look like huge tree branches. They are mostly found in Vera Spain where they were born. While they are primarily raised for cheese and milk production, some goats are also raised for meat. These goats have short, black-colored, or gray hair that sparkles in the sun.

7. The Boer Goat

These goats were originally developed in South Africa to produce meat. They are one of the most widely raised goats for meat in the world. Boer goats are more resilient than other breeds and can withstand high and humid temperatures. Their heads and bodies are fully white with dark brown hair, which makes them look almost like cows.

8. The Spanish Goat

These goats are originally from Spain and now thrive in America. Because they are able to handle the heat of summer, they are particularly popular in Texas. Their hair can come in many colors including gray, white, black, and grey.

9. The Sable Goat

These large goats are medium-sized to large and produce heavy amounts of milk with a fat content between 3-4 percent. They can reach 145 pounds at maturity and can be dangerous to young children and animals. Their long necks and thin legs give them a playful appearance.

10. The Saanen Goat

Saanen goats are Swiss natives. They were raised in the valley before moving to other parts of Europe. Some goats have small spots of color throughout their bodies, while others have white hair or cream-colored hair. They have a stern look due to their erect ears that point forward. They prefer cooler temperatures.

11. Oberhasli Goat

Mountain goats love to climb and jump. These goats have long, shiny brown hair, blackheads, pointed ears, and dark eyes that are difficult to resist. Their black markings extend from their eyes to their muzzle tips. They are friendly and interactive and make excellent pets and milk producers.

12. Guernsey Goat

This breed was created in the United States. It is one of the smallest dairy goats. These goats are gentle, docile, and easy to take care of. These goats are popular pets in 4H clubs and are efficient milk producers. They can have any color of fur, from cream to brown. They look full despite having medium-length hair.

13. The Nigerian Dwarf goat

The Nigerian dwarf goat is a small animal with intense eyes and a friendly personality. They are a result of their African heritage and can be found in warmer climates. However, they will do well in cooler areas if they have shelter to keep them warm. This goat can be any color, but they are most commonly black, white, or golden brown.

14. The Kalahari Red Goat

This breed is a Kalahari desert native. They thrive in hot, dry climates but can also adapt to more humid and cooler environments. They are highly resistant to disease and parasites, making them popular with milk and meat farmers. Their long, curving horns, thick heads, and droopy ears make them stand out. They also have short, but full, beards.

15. The Black Bengal Goat

The Black Bengal goat can be found in Bangladesh and the surrounding areas. Although they are usually black, they can also be gray or brown. Black Bengal goats are not able to produce milk efficiently so they are often raised for their meat. Their skin is used in fashion, footwear, and other leather products.

16. The Rangeland

These tough goats require very little grooming and are easy to care for. The Rangeland goat is a popular choice in Australia. It makes up a large portion of Australian goat meat. They can be either white, brown, or black and may also have colored markings on their bodies.

17. The Kiko Goat

This furry goat has stunningly rich hair, which is often brilliant white. Their bodies may bear brown or black marks. They are curious because of their erect ears. Their muscular bodies also make them strong enough for predators. Kiko goats are curious, active, and athletic so they need lots of space.

18. The Angora Goat

This goat is one of the most unusual. Because of its soft, durable texture and super curly character, the Angora goat’s hair is highly valuable. Each year, these goats can produce as much as 25% of their body weight in mohair. They could be mistaken for large dogs if they didn’t have long horns.

19. The Pygmy Goat

Pygmy goats, which are compact and small, are more popular as pets than they are as milk-producing or meat-producing animals. Although they can produce milk for a small family and are able to provide food, their joy and outgoing personality, and ability to bond with people make them more beloved. They enjoy spending time with chickens and other goats.

20. The Savanna Goat

These large goats are usually all white but can develop a little color here and there. Males have medium-sized horns and thin beards. Males and females both have long, floppy ears which sometimes exceed their muzzles. Unless they feel threatened or intimidated, their short tails are usually higher than their backs.

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There are many goat breeds available, so everyone, from farmers to meat and dairy producers, can find the right one for them. To find the right breed for your family, meet several different goat breeds. Are you interested in any of the goat breeds listed on this list? Which ones are you most interested in? Leave a comment to let us know!