What breed of goat is best for you? We always encourage people to choose goats based on temperament instead of on a specific breed or size. More often that not, standard size goats are easier to handle than smaller breed goats. Size doesn't matter, personality and temperament do! Each breed has their generalized personality & temperament traits but every goat is different with their own individual and distinct personalities. Below are the most common breeds of goats and their common traits. We always have a variety of goats, including cross breeds, looking for their forever homes.
La Mancha
Playful, smart, clever and affectionate
Very small ears in two types, Gopher Ear or Elf Ear
Originated in Oregon, the only breed developed in the US
Little ears, big personality, sure to steal your heart!
Nubian
Their trademark is long floppy ears and round roman noses
Known for being the most vocal of the goat breeds
Often one of the more sensitive breeds of goats
One of the larger breeds
Oberhasli
Distinctive brown and black markings
Tends to be on the smaller side of the standard size breeds
Sweet and content personalities
Alpine
Elegant and athletic
A wide variety of colors and marking patterns
One of the larger breeds of goats
Saanen
Laid back and incredibly sweet, known as gentle giants
All white in color
Often the largest of the breeds
Toggenburg
Easy going, quiet and smart
Distinct brown to mouse grey with white markings
On the smaller side of the standard size breeds
Boer
Low key and quiet breed
Most often white in color with a brown head and floppy ears
Hearty and often easy keepers
Nigerian Dwarf
One of the two purebred smaller size breeds of goats
The more proportionate of the smaller breeds
A wide variety of colors and sometimes flashy markings, the only breed that can have blue eyes
Curious and playful while often more independent in personality
Pygmy
The other purebred smaller size breed
Usually shorter and stockier than Nigerian Dwarf
Strong personalities and usually independent by nature