Best Goat Breeds for Beginners: Five Easy Goats to Start With
Choosing your first goats can feel overwhelming, but the right breed makes everything easier. The best goat breeds for beginners are hardy, friendly, forgiving of small mistakes and a good match for what you want from them, whether that is milk, meat or companionship. Here are five breeds we recommend to first-time keepers, and how to choose between them.
Before You Choose a Breed
Three questions narrow the choice quickly. What do you want the goats for: milk, meat, brush clearing or pets? How much space and secure fencing do you have? And what is your climate like? Also remember that goats are herd animals. Plan to keep at least two, because a single goat is usually stressed, loud and unhappy.
Five Goat Breeds Beginners Do Well With
Kiko
MeatHardyLow maintenanceDeveloped in New Zealand from feral goats, Kikos were selected for survival, so they are tough, forage well and show strong resistance to internal parasites. They generally kid with little help, which makes them forgiving for new keepers with pasture or brush.
See Kiko goats →Nigerian Dwarf
MilkPetSmall spaceA compact dairy breed with a friendly nature and milk that is high in butterfat. Their small size suits small properties and families. They are agile, so they need sturdy fencing with no gaps to squeeze through.
See Nigerian Dwarf goats →Nubian
MilkMeatDual purposeEasy to recognize by their long, drooping ears, Nubians are friendly and give rich, creamy milk, and they are large enough to be useful for meat as well. They can be quite vocal, so think about your neighbors.
See Nubian goats →Boer
MeatFast growthThe best-known meat goat, with a heavily muscled body and a calm nature. Boers grow quickly when well fed, but they need good nutrition, regular hoof care and attention to parasites to do their best.
See Boer goats →Pygmy
PetCompanionHardySmall, sturdy and sociable, Pygmy goats are popular as pets and hobby animals. They suit small properties and families who want friendly goats without the work of milking.
See Pygmy goats →Match the Breed to Your Goal
Nigerian Dwarf for small spaces, or Nubian for richer milk and a bigger animal. See dairy goats.
Kiko for hardiness and low input, or Boer for fast growth. See meat goats.
Pygmy or Nigerian Dwarf, both small and friendly. See pet goats.
Kiko and Savanna goats cope well with heat and tough conditions.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying one goat. Goats need company, so start with at least two.
- Weak fencing. Goats climb, squeeze and test every gap. Strong fencing saves you from many problems.
- Ignoring parasites. Worms are one of the biggest goat health issues. Ask a veterinarian about fecal egg counts and a parasite plan.
- Too much grain. Heavy grain feeding can cause bloat and urinary problems, especially in males. Forage should be the base of the diet.
- Skipping hoof care and shelter. Trim hooves regularly and give a dry, draft-free shelter.
Not Sure Where to Start?
A starter group chosen for you removes the guesswork. See our livestock starter packages, or browse by purpose. Every animal is health-tested and sold with records, as described on our health standards page.
Beginner Goats: Questions
How many goats should I start with?
At least two, because goats are herd animals. Two or three is a common starting point for a small property.
How much space do goats need?
It depends on the breed and how much forage you provide. Small breeds need less room, but all goats need secure fencing, shelter and space to move and climb.
Are goats loud?
Some breeds are noisier than others. Nubians are known for being vocal, while many others are quieter. Goats left alone also tend to be louder.
Which is easier for a beginner, dairy or meat goats?
Meat goats generally need less daily work, because dairy goats require regular milking. If you want milk, a small breed such as Nigerian Dwarf is a good place to start.
Ready to choose your first goats?
Tell us your goals and your space, and we will suggest breeds.
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