How to Identify Goat Breeds

First domesticated nearly 10,000 years ago, goats are one of the most popular domesticated animals. With their wide-ranging appetites, goats have set themselves apart from the pack of other barnyard animals. However, telling one breed of goat apart from another can be a bit tricky. Here are some tips to help you with this process.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Know that there are six general breeds of goat. These are the Nubian, Alpine, Saanens, Toggenburgs, La Mancha and Oberhasli breeds.

2. Check for these characteristics of the most popular breed, the Nubian: solid brown coloring, wide, droopy ears and a large body.

3. Check for these characteristics of the Alpine breed: a black or brown and white coat (colors will vary widely), erect ears and a curved nose.

4. Check for these characteristics of the Saanens breed: all-white fur, forward-facing ears and a friendly demeanor.

5. Check for these characteristics of the Toggenburgs breed: a brown coat and white markings on the head and hind quarters.

6. Check for these characteristics of the easily recognizable La Mancha breed: very short ears, white markings on front of the head and forelegs and a solid build.

7. Check for these characteristics of the Oberhasli breed: a reddish-brown coat and black stripes on the nose and head.

Tips & Warnings

• Other common breeds are the Pygmy, Boer, Cashmere and Angola breeds. Each of these, as well as the main breeds, is usually bred with a specific purpose in mind, such as producing milk, cheese or fiber.

Resources

• For pictures of each breed and advice about keeping goats from people who love them, check out this site.

[jzone]

on 1/2/2009 You didn't mention that you are discussing ADGA-recognized dairy breeds in the USA, and for example you describe Alpines as having 'curved' noses, and should have said Roman or Concave. There is much more to know about Oberhasli markings to distinguish it from a cou clair Alpine. Too basic even for a newbie, and I don't mean newbie-an.