Goat Breeds

The list includes the main categories of goats based on their utility, breeds, and characteristics.

M = meat, D = dairy , F = fiber, DP = dual-purpose

A

• Alpine^D
• Angora
• Argentine Criollo
• Arsi-Bale
• Australian Cashmere

B

• Boer^M
• Black Bengal

C

• Cashmere
• Chengdu Brown
• Chigu
• Creole

D

• Damascus
• Desert

E

• Egyptian Nubian
• English Guernsey
• Ethiopian Highland

F

• Fainting (Myotonic)
• Finnish Landrace
• French Alpine^D

G

• Golden Guernsey
• Girgentana
• Galla

I

• Icelandic
• Iranian Markhoz
• Izumo

J

• Jamunapari
• Jining Grey
• Johor

K

• Kalahari Red
• Kiko
• Kazakh White
• Kamberi
• Kashmir

K

• Kalahari Red
• Kiko
• Kazakh White
• Kamberi
• Kashmir

L

• LaMancha
• Loashan
• Landrace
• Lariana
• Leppo

M

• Malabari
• Mahali
• Markhoz
• Masai
• Mehsana
• Murciana
• Myotonic (Fainting Goat)

N

• Nigerian Dwarf
• Norwegian
• Nubian
• Nachi
• Negev

O

• Oberhasli^D
• Ossimi
• Old Irish Goat

P

• Pak Angora
• Pygmy
• Poitou
• Peacock
• Pashmina

Q

• Qinshan
• Qinghai White

R

• Rove
• Red Sokoto
• Repartida
• Rajasthan Black

S

• Saanen
• Spanish
• Sahelian
• Somali
• San Clemente Island
• Serpentina
• Shami

T

• Toggenburg
• Tennessee Fainting
• Thuringian
• Teruel
• Tibetan
• Tswana

U

• Uzbek Black

V

• Valais Blackneck
• Verata

W

• West African Dwarf
• White Shorthaired
• Waziri

X

• Xuhai

Y

• Yanbian
• Yangtze

Z

• Zalawadi
• Zhiwulin Black
• Zaire Dwarf

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Goat farming has been around for more than 10,000 years.

People first started keeping goats somewhere around 8,000–9,000 BCE in a place called the Fertile Crescent, what is now parts of Iran, Iraq, and Turkey.

Goats were one of the first animals to be domesticated because they provided meat, milk, hides and fiber. They were easy to keep, couldd survive in tough conditions, and didn’t need much care, which made them perfect for early farmers.

Today, goat farming is still an important part of agriculture.

There are many types of goats but most are raised for one or two main purposes, meat, milk or fiber.

Some goat breeds have been around for a long time, carefully bred to keep their unique traits, while others are crossbred to make them stronger, produce more, or adapt better to different climates.

There are around 300+ domesticated goat breeds worldwide.

No matter the type of goat they’ve been a key part of farming for thousands of years, and they’re still one of the most useful livestock animals today.

Based on Purpose

When classifying the types of goats, they are usually divided based on their main purpose for farmers. This classification depends on what the farmer wants to produce.

The type of goat a farmer chooses depends on their goals.

For example, if the focus is on milk production, they will look for dairy goat breeds that produce high-quality milk.

Farmers raising goats for meat or fiber will choose breeds that are best suited for those purposes.

Meat

Meat goats are a group of goat breeds specifically raised for meat production. They are characterized by their large body size and well-developed musculature. These goats are bred to maximize meat yield.

Their key characteristics include rapid growth rates, efficient feed conversion, and adaptability to various climates and terrains.

Many meat goat breeds are also known for their strong mothering abilities, high fertility rates, and resistance to diseases. Their docile nature and ability to thrive on a range of forage types make them a practical choice for meat production.

Dairy

Dairy goats are a group of goat breeds specifically raised for milk production. They are characterized by their high milk yield, well-developed udders, and efficient lactation. These goats are bred to produce quality milk for human consumption and dairy products.

Their key characteristics include high milk production, extended lactation periods, and efficient feed conversion to support milk output.

Many dairy goat breeds are also known for their strong maternal instincts, high fertility rates, and adaptability to various climates. Their gentle temperament and ability to thrive on different forage types make them a practical choice for dairy farming.

Fiber

This type of goat is also known as a fiber goat and is raised for the production of valuable, high-quality fiber used in textiles and clothing.

While meat goats are bred for size and meat yield, fiber goats are selected for their dense, soft, and fine undercoats that can be spun into luxurious fibers. Proper breeding, nutrition, and grooming are essential to maintaining fiber quality.

Fiber goat breeds vary in size, coat type, and fiber production.

Key characteristics to consider include fiber fineness, length, softness, durability, crimp, luster, ease of spinning, and shedding patterns. Goats must be regularly groomed, and their fiber harvested either by shearing or combing, depending on the breed.

Some common examples of fiber goat breeds are:
1. Angora goats
Known for producing mohair, a strong, lustrous fiber that grows continuously and requires shearing twice a year. These goats need careful nutrition and parasite control to maintain fiber quality.
2. Cashmere goats
Not a specific breed, but selectively bred for their fine, soft undercoat, which is combed out annually. They thrive in cold climates where their cashmere grows thickest.
3. Pygora goats
A cross between Pygmy and Angora goats, producing three different fleece types (A, B, or C), with a mix of mohair and cashmere qualities.
4. Nigora goats
A cross between Nigerian Dwarf and Angora goats, bred for versatile fiber production, including mohair-like and cashmere-like fleece.

Dual-Purpose

Some goats are useful for more than one purpose.

These goats are called dual-purpose goats because they can serve two or more roles on a farm. Most can provide both fiber and meat, while others produce milk and fiber, or even meat, milk, and fiber all together.

Some examples of dual-purpose goats are Pygora goats, which produce both fiber and meat, Nigora goats, which provide fiber and milk, Nubian goats, known for their milk and meat production, Kinder goats, which are excellent for both milk and meat, and Spanish goats, primarily raised for meat but also capable of producing some fiber.

Pack

Pack goats are a big help on the farm. They are strong, smart, and easy to train, making them great for carrying supplies, helping with livestock, and getting around rough land. Unlike bigger work animals, they don’t eat much, are cheaper to keep, and can go where trucks and machines can’t.

Good pack goat breeds include Alpine goats, strong and built for long trips, Saanen goats, big and easy to handle, Toggenburg goats, quick and full of energy, Nubian goats, tough and good for carrying lighter loads, and LaMancha goats, strong and able to handle different terrains.

Based on Breed Type

Goats can be also classified based on breed type which includes purebred and crossbred goats.

Purebred

Purebred goats come from a single recognized breed with consistent traits. They are often used for breeding programs, shows, and specialized farming.

Some popular purebred goats include Saanen goats, Boer goats and Angora goats

Purebreds ensure predictable characteristics but they may require more care and can be less hardy than mixed breeds.

Crossbred

Crossbred goats come from two or more different breeds, combining the best traits of each.

Examples include:

• Boer × Kiko
• Saanen × Nubian
• Pygora (Pygmy × Angora)

Crossbred goats are often healthier, more adaptable, and better suited for mixed-use farming, making them a practical choice for many farmers.

Based on Size

Large Breeds

Large breeds are often used for meat and dairy production due to their high body weight and good milk production.

These goats require more feed and space but offer higher yields.

Boer goats are one of the largest meat breeds while Saanen goats are large dairy goats.

Medium Breeds

Medium breeds offer a balance between productivity and maintenance.

They are easier to manage than large breeds but still provide good milk, meat or fiber yields.

Examples: Toggenburg goats, a medium-sized dairy breed or Kiko goats a meadium-sized meat breed.

Small Breeds

Small breeds are ideal for homesteads and small farms, requiring less space and feed.

They are often kept for milk, fiber or as pets. Nigerian Dwarf goats are a popular small dairy breed. Pygmy goats, though not traditionally used for commercial farming, are raised for meat in some regions and are also kept as companion animals.

Based on Horns

Goats can have horns or no horns, and farmers often choose based on what works best for their farm.

Deciding between horned or polled goats depends on the farm setup and how the goats are raised. Horned goats are natural and traditional, while polled goats are easier to handle and safer for small farms.

Horned

Horned goats naturally grow horns, which help with defense, herd dominance, and staying cool in hot weather. Many common breeds, like Boer, Alpine, and Angora goats, have horns.

Polled

Polled goats are born without horns because of their genetics. Some dairy breeds, like Saanen and Toggenburg goats, have polled varieties.

Many farmers prefer polled goats because they are easier to manage and safer in small spaces. However, breeding two polled goats together can sometimes cause fertility problems, so farmers need to plan their breeding carefully.

Based on Coat Type

Goats can be classified based on their coat type, which affects their ability to handle different climates and farming purposes.

Farmers choose short-haired or long-haired goats depending on their environment, maintenance needs, and product use.

Short-haired

Short-haired goats have smooth, sleek coats that lay close to the body and remain short year-round. Their hair does not require seasonal shedding and stays uniform in length. Some common short-haired breeds include Boer goats, Saanen goats, and Kiko goats.

Long-haired

Long-haired goats have thick, shaggy coats that grow longer over time. Their hair may be wavy or curly and often requires seasonal shedding or grooming. Some common long-haired breeds include Angora goats, Cashmere goats and Toggenburg goats.

Based on Geographical Origin

Goats can be classified based on their geographical origin, as different regions have developed breeds suited to their local climate, terrain, and farming needs.

Some breeds are adapted to hot, dry environments, while others thrive in cold, mountainous regions.

Goats from Africa are often heat-resistant and hardy, such as Boer goats from South Africa, known for their adaptability.

In Europe, many breeds have been developed for dairy production, like Saanen goats from Switzerland.

Asian goat breeds include Jamunapari goats from India, which have distinctive long ears.

North American breeds, like Spanish goats, are valued for their resilience and ability to forage in tough conditions.

South American breeds, such as Criollo goats, are well-suited for high-altitude regions.

Farmers often choose goats based on their place of origin, as breeds developed in similar climates tend to perform better with less specialized care.