Alpine

The Alpine goat breed is a premier dairy breed originating from the French Alps, renowned for exceptional milk production and remarkable adaptability. French Alpine goats consistently rank among the top milk producers, making them the preferred choice for commercial dairy operations worldwide. Their alert temperament, hardy constitution, and varied color patterns make Alpine goats both productive and visually striking.

🥛 Milk yield: 2,000-3,000 pounds per lactation

Nubian

The Nubian goat breed is one of the most recognizable and popular dairy goat breeds worldwide, distinguished by their long, pendulous ears and distinctive Roman nose. Nubian goats are prized for producing rich, high-butterfat milk ideal for cheesemaking and soap production. Their friendly, vocal personalities and heat tolerance make them excellent choices for both commercial dairies and family homesteads.

🥛 Milk yield: 1,500-2,500 pounds per lactation

Nigerian Dwarf

Small-sized dairy goats that produce surprisingly high amounts of milk with high butterfat content.

🥛 Milk yield: 1,000-1,500 pounds per lactation

LaMancha

Known for their tiny or absent external ears and excellent dairy production. LaMancha goats are prized for their high milk production and calm temperament.

🥛 Milk yield: 1,800-2,800 pounds per lactation

Saanen

Large white dairy goats known as the "Holstein of the goat world" for their high milk production. Saanens are the largest of the dairy breeds.

🥛 Milk yield: 2,500-3,800 pounds per lactation

Oberhasli

Medium-sized dairy breed with distinctive bay red coloring and black markings. Known for their steady temperament and reliable milk production.

🥛 Milk yield: 1,500-2,500 pounds per lactation

Toggenburg

One of the oldest registered dairy breeds, known for consistent milk production and distinctive coloring. These Swiss natives are medium-sized and hardy.

🥛 Milk yield: 1,800-2,300 pounds per lactation

Sable

A colored variant of the Saanen breed, these large dairy goats offer excellent milk production with slightly higher butterfat content than their white counterparts.

🥛 Milk yield: 2,500-3,500 pounds per lactation

Golden Guernsey

A rare golden-colored dairy breed known for its docile temperament and rich milk. Originally from the British Channel Island of Guernsey.

🥛 Milk yield: 1,500-2,000 pounds per lactation

Finnish Landrace

A hardy Scandinavian breed known for good milk production and adaptability to harsh climates.

🥛 Milk yield: 1,500-2,200 pounds per lactation

Anglo-Nubian

A large dual-purpose breed known for high butterfat content in milk and good meat production.

🥛 Milk yield: 1,800-2,500 pounds per lactation

Boer

The premier meat goat breed, known for rapid growth and excellent muscle development.

🥩 Dress weight: 120-160 pounds

Kiko

Hardy meat breed developed for survival and growth in challenging conditions.

🥩 Dress weight: 120-160 pounds

Spanish

Hardy meat goats well-adapted to harsh environments and extensive grazing. Known for their exceptional survival skills and maternal abilities.

🥩 Dress weight: 50-60% of live weight

Fainting Goat

Also known as Myotonic goats or Tennessee Fainting Goats, these unique meat goats are known for their myotonia congenita, causing temporary muscle stiffness when startled. Despite the name, they don't actually faint—their muscles simply stiffen briefly.

🥩 Dress weight: 50-60% of live weight

Kalahari Red

A robust meat breed developed in South Africa, known for its distinctive red color and excellent meat production.

🥩 Dress weight: 50-55% of live weight

Angora

The Angora goat breed is the world's premier mohair-producing goat, prized for centuries for its luxurious, lustrous fiber. Originating in the Ankara region of Turkey, Angora goats produce the finest natural fiber available, commanding premium prices in textile markets worldwide. Their docile temperament, beautiful curly fleece, and relatively easy care make Angora goats popular with both commercial fiber producers and hobby farmers.

🧶 Fiber yield: 8-16 pounds per year

Cashmere

Known for producing the luxurious cashmere fiber from their undercoat. These goats are not a specific breed but rather any goat that produces cashmere wool.

🧶 Fiber yield: 4-8 ounces per year

Pygmy

The Pygmy goat is one of the most popular miniature goat breeds, beloved as backyard pets and family companions. These small, compact goats originated in West Africa and are known for their friendly, playful personalities, easy care requirements, and adaptability to various climates. Pygmy goats typically live 10-15 years and make excellent pets for families, hobby farms, and small homesteads.

🥛 Milk yield: 1-2 quarts per day

Kinder

A dual-purpose breed developed from Nubian and Pygmy goats, offering both milk and meat production in a medium-sized package.

🥛 Milk yield: 1,200-1,800 pounds per lactation

🥩 Dress weight: 55-60% of live weight

Valais Blackneck

A striking breed with distinctive black front and white rear coloring. Known for both meat and milk production.

🥛 Milk yield: 1,200-1,800 pounds per lactation

🥩 Dress weight: 50-55% of live weight

Beetal

A large breed from India known for both milk and meat production. Recognized for its long pendulous ears and roman nose.

🥛 Milk yield: 1,500-2,500 pounds per lactation

🥩 Dress weight: 45-50% of live weight