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The term "dairy goats" is a compilation of various breeds developed for milk production. The more commonly known breeds are briefly described below. Please follow the links listed at the bottom of the page to do more indepth research into each of these breeds, and to discover the many other dairy breeds worldwide. Also listed is a link to read about the health benefits of goat's milk, and recipes for some of the products made from it.
Adult females are called Does; Adult males are called Bucks; Adult neutered/altered males are called Wethers; Babies are called Kids.
Alpine -
The French-Alpine is a breed of goat that originated in the Alps. The goats of Alpine type that were brought to the United States from France where they had been selected for much greater uniformity, size and production than was true of the goats that were taken from Switzerland to France.
Size and production rather than color pattern have been stressed in the development of the French-Alpine. No distinct color has been established, and it may range from pure white through shades of fawn, gray, brown, black, red, bluff, peibald or various shadings or combinations of these colors. Both sexes are generally short haired, but bucks usually have a roach of long hair along the spine. The beard of males is also quite pronounced. The ears in the Alpine whould be of medium size, fine textured and preferably erect.
The French-Alpine is also referred to as the Alpine Dairy goat. Mature females should stand not less than 30" at the withers and should weigh not less than 135 pounds. Males should stand from 34-40" at the withers and should weigh not less than 170 pounds. French-Alpine females are excellent milkers and usually have large, well-shaped udders with well-placed teats of desirable shape.
Nubian -
The Anglo Nubian is an all-purpose goat, useful for meat, milk and hide production. It is not a heavy milk producer but has a high average butter fat content (between 4 and 5%). The Anglo Nubian breedian season is much longer than that of the Swiss breeds so it is possible to produce milk year round.
It is the best suited of the dairy goat breeds to hot conditions. The Anglo Nubian has been used in "grading-up" programs in many tropical countries to increase the milk and meat production of local breeds.
This breed is regarded as an "aristocratic" appearing goat ,and has very long, pendulous ears that hang close to the head. It carries a decidedly Roman nose and is always short-haired. Any color or colors, solid or patterned, is acceptable.
Saanen -
The Saanen dairy goat originated in Switzerland, in the Saanen Valley. Saanen does are heavy milk producers and usually yield 3-4% milk fat. It is medium to large in size (weighing approximately 145lbs) with rugged bone and plenty of vigor.
Does should be feminine, and not coarse. Saanens are white or light cream in color, with white being preferred. Small spots of color on the hair are allowable, but not desired. The hair should be short and fine, although a fringe over the spine and thighs is often present. Ears should be erect and alertly carried, preferably pointing forward. The face should be straight or dished.
The breed is sensitive to excessive sunlight and performs best in cooler conditions. The provision of shade is essential and tan skin is preferable.
Toggenburg -
The Toggenburg is a Swiss dairy goat from the Toggenburg Valley of Switzerland at Obertoggenburg. They are also credited as being the oldest known dairy goat breed.
This breed is medium sized, sturdy, vigorous and alert in appearance. They are slightly smaller than the other Alpine breeds, the does weight at least 120 lbs. The hair is short or medium in length, soft, fine and lying flat. Its color is solid varying from light fawn to dark chocolate with no preference for any shade. Distinct white markings are as follows: White ears with dark spot in middle; two white stripes down the face from above each eye to the muzzle; hind legs white from hocks to hooves; forelegs white from knees downward with a dark band below knee acceptable; a white triangle on either side of the tail; white spot may be present at root of wattles or in that area if no wattles are present. The ears are errect and carried forward. Facial lines may be dished or straight, never a roman.
Toggenburgs perform best in cooler conditions. They are noted for their excellent udder development and high milk production. Their milk has an average fat test of 3.7%.
Oberhasli -
The Oberhasli is a Swiss dairy goat. This breed is of medium size, vigorous and alert in appearance. Its color is chamois. Does may be black but chamois is preferred. Chamois is described as: Bay - ranging from light to a deep red bay with the later most desirable. Markings are to be: two black stripes down the face from above each eye to a black muzzle; forehead nearly all black, black stripes from the base of each ear coming to a point just back of the poll and continuing along the neck and back as a dorsal stripe to the tail; a black belly and udder; black legs below the knees and hocks; ears black inside and bay outside; bucks often have more black on the head than does, black whiskers, and black hair along the shoulders and lower chest with a mantle of black along the back; buchs frequently have more white hairs through the coat than does. The face is straight.
Though their color and markings can be quite unique and striking, it's often the alert and inquisitive facial expression, the sweet natured temperament and the exceptional flavor of their slightly sweet milk that earns them such devotion from dedicated breeders.
LaMancha -
The LaMancha goat originated in Oregon by Mrs. Eula Frey, from short-eared goats of a type found not only in LaMancha, but throughout Spain. It has excellent dairy temperament and is an all-around sturdy animal that can withstand a great deal of hardship and still produce. Through official testing, the breed has established itself in milk production with high butterfat.
The LaMancha face is straight with the ears being the distinctive breed characteristic. There are two types of LaMancha ears - the "gopher ear" and the "elf ear". Any color or combination of colors is acceptable with no preferences. The hair is short, fine and glossy.
American Dairy Goat Association
National Saanen Breeders Association
International Nubian Breeders Association
Oberhasli Breeders International
National Toggenburg Club
American LaMancha Club
Goat's milk health benefits and product recipes
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