Domestic goats are one of the oldest domesticated species and were generally kept in herds that wandered on hills or other grazing area. These herds were often tended to by children or adolescents, similar to the more widely known shepherd.

Just like dog breeds, dairy goat breeds differ in how they look, but they also tend to differ in the amount of milk they produce. The importation of several goat breeds from Europe increased the breadth of genetic resources available. Dairy goat breeds have remarkably different personalities and interested breeders can always find a breed. In the US there are approximately 10 major goat breeds; five dairy breeds, two meat breeds, two dwarf/pygmy breeds, and the mohair-producing Angora.

Goat Breeds and Types