Are you searching for few best goats for backyard farming?
Backyard goats and goats for small farms are becoming more popular with homesteaders wanting milk, meat, fiber, or companionship. Goats are efficient grazers and require minimal equipment or space.
The best backyard goat for you depends on what you want to do with them: a small milker for your kitchen, a meaty breed for meat production, or a fiber goat for luxurious fleece.
In this guide, we will analyze 15 of the best goat breeds for small farms or homesteads.
For each breed, the profile includes origin, size, appearance, production figures (milk yield and butterfat, growth, and fiber yield), kidding patterns, temperament, and climate tolerance.
Below are profiles, a comparison chart of key traits, and a decision flowchart to help new goat keepers match breeds to their needs.
Best 15 Goats for Backyard Farming
Nigerian Dwarf
Nigerian Dwarf goats are small dairy goats that originate from West Africa. They are very small (does ≤22.5″, bucks ≤23.5″ tall) with doe weights around 70-80 lb.
Coats colors and patterns are all. Ears are erect, and facial profiles are straight. This breed is prized for rich milk: typical 305-day lactations are about 700-800 lb with very high butterfat (often 6-10%).
Twins and triplets are not uncommon. Nigerian Dwarf goats are friendly and energetic, good pets, and homestead milkers on very small acreage.
They are heat tolerant, being natives of hot climates, but must be protected from extreme cold. The Nigerian Dwarf is often called the “miniature dairy goat,” producing sweet, creamy milk in tiny packages.
Nigerian Pygmy
The Nigerian Pygmy is a small, hardy goat that originated in West Africa. Measures 22–25″ and weighs ~60–75 lb; bucks are slightly larger. They are short-legged and squat, with broad chests, and frequently have a shaggy coat of any color.
They weren’t bred for high production; they were bred to be pets or brush-clearers. Nigerian Pygmies are good mothers, but they only make a few hundred pounds of milk (just enough for a bunch of kids).
Twins are the normal kind of kids (sometimes triplets). They are gentle, friendly, and playful. They can tolerate heat and humidity (trypanotolerant indigenous breed). Pygmies can adapt to backyard conditions but still need clean shelter in cold, damp climates.
Their small size and easy-going nature also make them ideal for young families or companion animals. Some homesteaders also cross Pygmy goats with Angora goats for fiber, but pure Pygmy goats are mainly raised for meat or as pets.
Alpine
The Alpine is a medium-large dairy breed developed in the French Alps. They have pointy ears and no specific color (there are many patterns). Weighs ~130-150 lb (bucks ~150-170 lb) and stands 30″+ tall.
Alpines are said to be good high producers: average lactation is more than 2,500 lb of milk in 305 days (about 3.2% fat). They are long and strong with good feed conversion.
Alpines have been described as “adaptable to any environment,” do well on moderate pasture, and are suited to a variety of climates. Good breeders stress calmness in selection, and temperament is usually alert and curious.
Alpines have twins regularly and freshen year-round. Alpines make a fantastic all-around dairy goat for small farms, thriving on 1-2 acres of pasture and providing reliable daily milk for a family.
Saanen
The Saanen is a large, white dairy goat from Switzerland, often referred to as the “Holstein of dairy goats.” Does and bucks weigh an average of 130–170 lb. They have sleek white coats and upright ears.
Saanens are high milk producers; the average 305-day lactation is ~2,740 lb (3.2% fat), with top does producing >6,000 lb/year. They are very docile and composed, with very mild temperaments.
Saanens prefer cooler temperate climates (their white coat can sunburn) and may not do well in extreme heat without shade but are hardy in winter with proper shelter. They are quiet and gentle.
Saanens may kid any time of year and usually have 1–3 kids. Saanens are large and take more room (several acres) than mini goats, but given their high production, they are a good choice for small farms looking for the maximum amount of milk in a very docile and easy-milking breed.
Nubian (Anglo-Nubian)
The Nubian (Anglo-Nubian) is a medium to large dairy goat developed in England from African and Indian breeds. It has characteristic long, pendulous ears and a convex ‘Roman’ nose.
Nubians are typically >22″ tall, with does >135 lb and bucks >170 lb. They come in different colors (solid or spotted), but all have the same long ear and head shape. Nubians are valued for rich, high-butterfat milk (“Jersey of goats”).
Average lactation is about 1,920 lb with ~4.8% fat. They also seem to lactate longer than some breeds. The temperament is very outgoing, vocal, and affectionate and is often considered the friendliest of the dairy goats.
Nubians are heat tolerant (tropical ancestry) but need help in cold weather. They kid twice a year and usually have twins or triplets. Nubians are sought as pets on small farms and as milkers, for they are beautiful, sweet-tempered, and have a “showy” appeal as well as a heavy production of butterfat-rich milk.
Oberhasli
The Oberhasli is a Swiss dairy breed with a bay (reddish brown) coat with specific black on the face, belly, and legs (or a solid black type). Does are ~120 lbs bucks ~150 lbs They are mellow in pedigree descriptions and have a calm, gentle nature.
Oberhasli averages ~1,600 lb of milk per lactation, with ~3.6% fat (2-3 gallons per day, up to 3+ in peak). They are easily kidded, reputed to be good mothers with plenty of milk for kids.
This breed is well adapted to the cooler climates of the mountains. They’re a good size and easy to handle, making them a good choice as a reliable milker for small farms that want a quiet, friendly goat.
Families or new breeders are often recommended. Oberhaslis as they are not as flighty as some other breeds.
Toggenburg
The Toggenburg is an ancient Swiss dairy goat, distinguished by its solid shades of brown with white facial stripes and leg markings. Weighs ~120 lb (bucks ~150 lbs).
This breed is known for its hardiness and ease of management. Toggenburgs give good production, averaging about 2,280 lb per lactation with a moderate butterfat content of about 3.7%.
They often have twins, and they freshen often. Temperament is friendly and docile. Quiet in the herd. Toggenburgs are very cold hardy, originating in cool mountain valleys.
They are not as heat tolerant as Nubians but do well in temperate zones. Medium-sized and not as prolific in milk as Alpines or Saanens but steady producers, they are a reliable source of milk for small farms. Toggenburgs are gentle, adaptable milkers and will thrive in a range of climates.
LaMancha
The LaMancha is a uniquely American dairy breed developed on the West Coast. Very small ears—either 1″ or “elf” type—and a friendly “Santa Claus” face make it immediately recognizable.
Medium-large LaManchas, does ~130-150 lb, bucks ~160 lb. They have an abundant milk production, averaging ~2,320 lb per lactation (≈3.7% fat). It is sweet and creamy milk.
The LaManchas excel in udder attachment and ease of milking. They are very calm and trustworthy (often referred to as gentle giants). This breed does well on moderate forage, having been developed on dry western ranches, so they are drought-tolerant and hardy on poor pasture.
LaManchas are hearty in cold weather and thrive in a wide variety of climates. They breed naturally out of season so kids can be born year-round. LaManchas are a great choice for small dairy farms looking for a large breed milker that is quiet and easy to care for.
Kinder
The Kinder is a rare dual-purpose goat developed in Washington State in the 1980s. (Nubian x Pygmy cross) It was bred for a smaller sized dairy/meat goat. Kinders medium-small. ~115-125 lb. 26″ tall. Bucks 135-150 lb. 28″.
They have short- to medium-length ears, are many colors, and have strong muscular bodies. Kinders do great on milk. The breed standard is 1,500 lb minimum in 305 days, with butterfat often around 6.0-6.5% (very rich).
The founding doe (Liberty) did 1730 lb at 3 years old. They are the size of full-size deities, despite their smaller frames. The breed was also bred for good mothering.
Kinders usually have 3–6 kids a year and have plenty of milk. Wethers (castrated males) grow rapidly, make a good dressed weight, and are good meat animals.
Temperament Friendly, playful (Liberty had a “delightful personality”) Kinders are average easy keepers for forage. They make an efficient mini-dairy on a small farm and provide kid meat. One doe can provide a gallon of milk a day AND ~ 250 lb of kid meat a year.
Boer
The Boer is the South African classic meat goat, bred for rapid growth and heavy muscling. Boers are big and muscular: does 200-225 lb, bucks 240-300 lb.
They have a distinctive look—they typically have white bodies with a reddish-brown head and wide bodies with a thick neck. Boer is not a dairy breed but does provide enough milk to feed fast-growing kids.
Boers reproduce prolifically; typical ovulation averages 1.7 with kidding rates of ~200% (mostly twins) common. They mature early and can have triplets three times in two years. For growth, Boer kids gain a daily average of 150-170 g (some exceptional kids up to 200 g/day).
Generally docile and calm (although bucks may be aggressive in rut), they do not do as well in confinement as goats bred on brush because of their leaner body fat.
Boers were bred for hot, dry climates and thrive best in moderate/warm regions. They are efficient and fast meat producers and would be a good choice if meat yield and carcass quality are key priorities.”
Kiko
The Kiko is a meat goat breed developed in New Zealand in the 1980s. Kiko means ‘meat’ in Māori.” Kikos are a good meat conformation breed and have been crossed with dairy bucks to produce a hardy feral stock.
They can be different colors but are often white, cream, or tan. Mature Kikos weigh 100-150+ lb, bucks 200+ lb (not as heavy as Boers). The Kikos are fast-growing and produce lean meat but are not as heavily muscled as the Boers.
Their main advantage is survivability, as they were selected for survival and growth on hill country and then closed to outcross in the 1980s. Kikos do well on poor pastures, are resistant to parasites, and require little management.
Kikos breed out of season, and kidding rates often exceed 200% with does raising twins with minimal assistance reproductively. Temperament active and alert—might be more independent than other breeds.
They do browse aggressively, so they are great for brush control . In summary, Kikos are meat-type goats of medium-large size that are remarkably hardy and efficient in marginal conditions.
Myotonic (Tennessee Fainting)
The Myotonic goat (aka Tennessee Fainting goat) is a distinctly American meat breed. It is named for the gene for myotonia congenita that causes goats to stiffen (often fold up) when startled—a harmless reaction that builds muscle.
Depending on the bloodlines, these goats can range in size from 50 lb to 175 lb. They come in many colors and patterns with sometimes distinctive ruffled hair. Myotonics are hardy, low-maintenance meat goats.
Very heavily muscled for their size, they produce a meat-to-bone ratio of about 4:1 (compared to ~3:1 in other goats). Their meat is noted as lean and tender.
Reproductively, Myotonics are prolific and nonseasonal breeders: females often have twins or triplets, and some bear kids every 6 months. They are very docile and calm, and their muscle contractions actually prevent them from jumping over fences—which makes them easy to contain.
They also are pretty parasite-resistant. Myotonics do well on poor forage and a variety of climates, thriving on warm southern farms as well as colder areas (some strains have heavier coats).
In short, this is a breed recommended for the small farm that wants a gentle, efficient meat goat and that also makes an interesting pet or show animal.
Angora
The Angora is the classic fiber goat, of Turkish origin (Anatolia, formerly called “Angora”). Both sexes have horns and are covered with a long, lustrous fleece of mohair.
Mature Angoras are quite small for goats: does, 70 to 110 lb; bucks, 180 to 225 lb. In standard flocks they are white (color can be off-white or creamy). Angora fleece is clipped twice a year. U.S.
Angoras yield an average of some 5.3 lb of mohair per shearing (10-11 lb/year total), with fibers of 12-15 cm in length and very lustrous. Mohair is valued for its strength and sheen.
Angoras have long spiral horns, especially bucks, and floppy ears. They are shyer and more gentle than most goats. They are good browsers, using rough brush, and are adaptable to semi-arid, rocky grazing lands.
They have a thick coat that needs to be protected from heavy rain or snow to avoid matting. Kidding: twins are a dime a dozen. Angoras are pretty tough weather-wise, but high humidity or standing water will affect fiber quality.
They are unbeatable for fiber production on a small farm, too. A pair of Angoras can produce several sweaters’ worth of mohair a year. They also manage weeds due to their grazing habits and docile nature. Mohair yields depend on age (yield increases until about 5–6 years of age).
Pygora
The Pygora is a small fiber goat developed in Oregon in the 1980s from a cross between Angora and Pygmy stock. The Pygora is a small fiber goat developed in Oregon in the 1980s from a cross between Angora and Pygmy stock.
They are pygmy goat-sized (does are ~80-120lb, bucks ~75-140lb) but have a soft curly fleece. They are pygmy goat-sized (does are ~80-120lb, bucks ~75-140lb) but have a soft curly fleece.
Pygora fleece is divided into three types: Type-A (long, silky, mohair-like ringlets, ~6” staple length), Type-B (intermediate), and Type-C (cashmere-like down, staple length ~3–6”).
Pygora fleece is divided into three types: Type-A (long, silky, mohair-like ringlets, ~6” staple length), Type-B (intermediate), and Type-C (cashmere-like down, staple length ~3–6”). Fiber lengths are approximately 5 inches.
Colors include whites, grays, browns, and combinations. Fiber lengths are approximately 5 inches. Colors include whites, grays, browns, and combinations.
Each Pygora produces about 1-3 lb of fiber per year, depending on the type of fiber. Each Pygora produces about 1-3 lb of fiber per year, depending on the type of fiber.
Pygoras are not a dairy goat but they do produce enough milk for their kids. Pygoras are not a dairy goat, but they do produce enough milk for their kids. They breed twice a year, and twins are common.
They breed twice a year, and twins are common. Pygoras have the friendly, curious temperament of pygmies and the hardiness of Angoras.
They are easy keepers. Pygoras have the friendly, curious temperament of pygmies and the hardiness of Angoras. They are easy keepers.
They suit different climates (some are draft-resistant people for cold weather). They suit different climates (some are draft-resistant people for cold weather).
These goats are primarily raised for their luxurious hand-spinning fiber but are also utilized on homesteads for milk or small meat needs. These goats are primarily raised for their luxurious hand-spinning fiber but are also utilized on homesteads for milk or small meat needs.
In short, Pygoras are a multi-purpose homestead goat bred for color fleece and ease of care. In short, Pygoras are a multi-purpose homestead goat bred for color fleece and ease of care.
Cashmere (Fiber Type)
Any breeds or crosses that are selected to produce a fine, downy undercoat (cashmere fiber) each spring are referred to as “cashmere goats.”
There is no one official breed; many large goats (including feral or dairy crosses) can produce cashmere. Real cashmere comes from cold-climate goats (Central Asia, Middle East ) but here in the U.S., breeders import or breed local stock for fiber.
Cashmere goats have a dual hair coat of a coarse outer coat and fine, soft undercoat. Adult bucks produce ~ 2.5 lb of total fleece in spring, of which about 20% is cashmere down (~ 0.5 lb, or 227 g); does produce somewhat less.
This equates to about 200–400 g of cashmere per goat per year. The fiber is very fine (~15-20 microns) and insulating. Cashmere goats are usually medium to large (often >130 lb).
They are different colors (usually off-white, grey, or brown) and may have horns. Temperament is usually calm. These goats are super cold hardy—they grow down to survive freezing temps.
In warm weather they will shed their down. Management requires only simple feeding; they are good foragers. They don’t produce much milk, so often the kids are bottle-fed. Twins are usually kidding.
They are bred for fiber, so they have longer hair all year round. Herds must be combed or shorn every year in the spring. Cashmere goats are recommended for small farmers who want fiber and can devote little management. Their fine fleece is a niche market with a high price.
Conclusion
The best goat breed for a small farm or backyard depends on your goals and property. For milk, the best breeds are dwarf or medium-sized dairy breeds (Nigerian Dwarf, Alpine, LaMancha, Nubian, Oberhasli, Toggenburg, and Kinder). F
or limited space, consider Nigerian Dwarf or Kinder goats, but if you have plenty of pasture, try larger breeds like Alpine, LaMancha, Saanen, or Oberhasli. For meat, breeds such as the Boer, Kiko, or Myotonic are best.
Boers give the fastest growth and biggest carcasses (for a larger project). Kikos and Myotonics are hardier and efficient on forage. Angoras provide a good deal of mohair for fiber, Pygoras provide wool for hand-spinning, and cashmere goats provide luxury down.
Often mixed goals may lead to hybrid solutions (e.g., Kinder for both milk and meat, Pygora for some milk and fiber). Friendly miniature breeds (Nigerian Dwarf, Nigerian Pygmy, and mini-Nubian) make excellent pets or weed-control helpers.
In summary:
- Milk farm: Kerrily, think about dairy traits. For high butterfat, choose Nigerian Dwarf, Nubian, or Alpine; for more volume, choose Saanen or Toggenburg.
- Meat production: The Boer is best for getting pure meat out, and the Kiko or Myotonic is best for rough conditions and easy management.
- Project for fiber: Angora goats for mohair, cashmere goats for down, and Pygoras for both mohair-like fibers and cashgora fibers.
- Homestead pet/utility: Nigerian Pygmies and Dwarfs fit well as small, social pets that also clear brush.
Match the goat to the purpose, temperament, and climate, and you’ll be successful. All the above breeds do well under low input management and can thrive on small acreage with proper care.
Your farm goals (milk vs. meat vs. fiber) versus what you have to offer in the way of resources (pasture, shelter) will help you decide on the best backyard goat for your needs.
Have a look at the comparison table and decision chart to assist you in making your decision and the individual breed profiles to get an idea of what to expect. Good fencing, nutrition, shelter, and knowledge of the kidding patterns and behavior of each breed will keep your herd healthy and productive.
