Goat Breeds – Which One Do I Choose?
Alpine Goat
The Alpine, also known as "French Alpine", originated in the Alps. They are medium to large goats with upright ears. Alpines are hardy, adaptable and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Their milk has an average butterfat of about 3.5%.
Alpines are seasonal breeders.
The LaMancha is a medium sized breed, developed in the USA from goats of Spanish origin. They have an excellent dairy temperament and are all-around sturdy, friendly, naturally healthy animals. LaManchas can come in a variety of colors and patterns. Their milk has an average butterfat of about 4.2%. LaManchas have tiny ears which come in two types: "gopher ears", which are little "sweet rolls"; and "elf ears", which are little hooked ears less than 2 inches long.
LaManchas are seasonal breeders.
The Nigerian is a miniature dairy goat of West African origin with upright ears. They are bred to have the length of body and structure, in proportion, of a full sized dairy goat. They come in a variety of colors and patterns. Nigerians can also produce a surprising amount of milk for their size (3-4 four pounds per day) but their small teats can sometimes be difficult to milk. Their milk has an average butterfat of about 6.1%.
Nigerians breed year round.
The Nubian, also know as "Anglo-Nubians" is a large, proud, and graceful goat with long pendulous ears and a "Roman nose". They were developed in England by crossing British goats with bucks of African and Indian origin. They are not heavy producers but milk has an average butterfat of about 4.6%. Nubians come in a variety of colors and patterns. They are very vocal. They are very popular but not quite as hardy as some other breeds
Nubians are usually seasonal breeders but sometimes may breed year round.
The Oberhasli, sometimes called "Swiss Alpine", are a medium sized breed. Their coloring is known as "Chamoisee" which is bay in color with distinctive and specific black markings. Does may sometimes be black but chamoisee is preferred. Their milk has an average butterfat of about 3.6%.
Oberhaslis are seasonal breeders.
The Saanen goat originated in Switzerland. They are white, large in size with upright ears. Saanens are heavy milk producers, but there milk is lower in butterfat than some of the other dairy breeds. Their milk has an average butterfat of about 3.5%.
Note: Saanens must be white. If a Saanen is born with color (which sometimes happens) they are called "Sables".
Saanens are seasonal breeders.
The Toggenburg is a Swiss breed credited as being the oldest known dairy goat breed. They are medium in size with upright ears. "Togg" coloring is varying from a light fawn to dark chocolate, with distinctive and specific white markings. Their milk has an average butterfat of about 3.3%. This breed was originally developed to provide milk for cheese production and so their milk can sometimes have a strong flavor.
Toggs are seasonal breeders.
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I have nubians, alpines and combo of both, an Oberhosli, and have had a nigerian in my herd (goat sitting)
I like them all. I find that the Nubians to be the most personable, if bottle raised. I love the alpine for consistancey in their milking and bag quality. The nigerian gave a surprisingly good amount of milk for her size. I have not bred or milked the Oberhosli but love how beautiful she is.
Diane, I was looking to get goats too. I'm leaning towards the Nigerians, they seem to be the best all around. Any you are leaning towards?? I guess what is availible will be making my decision.
Thank you Diane, that was very informative!
We have 2 Nigerian Dwarf goats and absolutely love them! I never would have thought I would own goats, especially in my small city lot! I also never knew I could love a goat so much! They are very precious and social animals. I have 2 young children and the goats love to play with my kids and are extremely friendly to them and anyone "who comes to visit them in their yard". They really are not that loud at all. The first few weeks we had them they were quite talkative, but they hardly make any noise at all now...but they do get a whole lot of attention! I highly recommend Nigerians
Hi Diane, I have just recently purchased a Toggenburg goat, only a young one... She wont stop crying! I thought they were a quiet breed! Was I wrong?
Amy Goats are a heard animal and usually don't live alone well its best to have 2.
Hi Amy,
How many goats do you have? If you only have one that could be your problem. Goats are herd animals and need the company of another goat ESPECIALLY if she was taken off her mother or out of a herd setting. Good luck. Quiet that goat down so the neighbors don't start making noise!!
Goodluck
@Amy- Toggs are very quiet, but all goats need to have companions. They are herd animals and will get anxiety attacks if isolated. You probably notice that she quiets down when she can see you. You are all of her "herd". If you get another goat of her age (age/size is important) they should be quiet. Good luck!
I'm getting two Nigerian wethers and I'm SO excited! They are the best fit for my little farm because of their size and I must say, other than Toggs and Saanens(which are both too large for me), I think they're one of the 'cutest' breeds. My boys are due to be born in April.....oh the days pass so slowly!
I have 2 pygmies and they are great at clearing brush, have a charming personality, and are calm even tempered.. my children are able to handle them easily and they follow me around.. I know they are not renowned for their milk but they do produce milk that's high in butterfat content so get a nice rich milk (hoping I can start milking in few months once all goes well). I had a nigerian dwarf and she was a sweetheart and was just like a dog. I found that that she was louder than my pygmies. My friend who has alpines, nubians, boers, etc.. found that their nigerian dwarf is the loudest of them too.. But that also could just be coincidental..Just some thought and points about the breeds I have.. Hope it helps
That's interesting, about which goats are noisy. I'm thinking of getting a pair of small goats on a suburban lot. What are other differences between Nigerian Dwarf goats and pygmies?
Having raised a few of most of the breeds above, I found that I appreciated the flavor of the Saanen's milk most of all. Hers was closer to a mild cow's milk than the others. The nubians that I have milked had a very "goat" flavor and I would put it in a pitcher that was open and leave it uncovered in the refrigerator over night to moderate the flavor for use the next day. Personality wise, each individual is different, no matter which breed you have. I think in retrospect, that my alpinextoggenberg was probably the most quiet and passive. Saanen's I have had were definately needy, but the nubians were most doglike in their desire for human companionship. The pygmies were downright ornery, and a nightmare to keep in! LOL, my little billy, Tiny Tim would get out and run down the road to the neighbors where he would terrorize their pit bull who was much larger but intemidated by the horns. He put her up and over the car in an attempt to escape more than once! The nigerians were a bit ornery, but sweeter in personality than this! Good luck with yours!
WHAT EVER YOU DO DONT GET NIGERIANS THEY WILL INFECT YOUR WHOLE HERD BY JUMPING IN THE FEED TUBS AND POOPING IN THEM.