What Breed of Goat Should I Get?

How do I know breed of goat is best for me?

In order to pick a breed you have to know your intended purpose for getting a goat. There are so many types of goat breeds it can make your head spin. The most important information you need to know is why you are getting the goat.

There are specific breeds for specific uses. There are dairy breeds for milk production, meat breeds for meat production, pack goat breeds for packing/working and there are just goats you want for pets. We compiled a list of the common breeds for each use. We hope this helps in your picking process. 

Dairy Goats

Milk is a huge commodity in the goat world. A lot of people get dairy goats because their milk is delicious and straight out of the backyard. People also use goat milk to make cheese, yogurt, soaps, lotions and so much more. 

• Alpine
• Lamancha 
• Guernsey
• Nigerian Dwarf
• Nubian 
• Oberhasli
• Saanen
• Sable
• Toggenburg

Meat Goats

Meat is another reason people will raise goats. Their meat is leaner than other red meats and poultry. It’s a great source of homegrown nutrition.

• Spanish
• Boer
• Kiko
• Myotonic
• Savanna
• Texmaster

Pack Goats

Goats are incredible creatures. They can go places horses and mules cannot, which makes them indispensable in the rugged back country. Pack goats are used for carrying gear into the back country. They can carry about 25% of their body weight over long distances and crazy terrain.

• Dairy Breeds 
• Cross Dairy Breeds
• Boer/Dairy Breeds

Pet Goats

Pet goats can be any breed of goats, but when people are looking for goats mainly for the purpose of filling their cuteness tank, they go with Pygmy goats or Nigerian Dwarfs because they are a smaller breed of goat and just darn cute.

• Pygmy Goats
• Nigerian Dwarfs