general information
Which type of goat suits your needs?
Dairy Goat Breeds
Dairy goats are raised for their milk after they give birth. The milk is harvested daily and used for a variety of purposes, including drinking, soap-making, and lotions. No single breed is “better” than another—each has its own strengths. Differences typically come down to characteristics like hardiness, size, and personal preference. There are about eight recognized dairy breeds in the U.S.:
- Alpine
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Lamancha
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Nigerian Dwarf
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Nubian
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Oberhasli
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Saanan
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Sabels
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Toggenburg
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Meat Goat Breeds
Meat goats are raised primarily for meat production. Did you know goat meat is one of the most consumed meats in the world? Like dairy breeds, no single meat breed is superior—each varies in traits such as hardiness, growth rate, and size. There are about five recognized meat breeds in the U.S., not including mixed breeds or dairy wethers:
- Boer
- Kiko
- Myotonic
- Savannah
- Spanish
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And Then There Was Pygmies
African Pygmy goats are not typically classified as meat or dairy goats due to their small size. However, they are extremely popular in 4-H programs as project and show animals because they are easy for kids to handle and manage.
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You MUST Have More Than One!
This isn’t just opinion—it’s important for the well-being of your goats. Goats are herd animals, and for their happiness and mental health, they should be kept in at least pairs.
While a single goat can live with other animals, it’s not ideal. Goats thrive best with other goats because they communicate and interact on the same level. Think of it this way: would you rather be alone all day, or with someone who understands you?
People often don’t have enough time to fully replace that companionship, and while other animals can help, they’re not a true substitute for another goat.