The UK is home to a number goat breeds, each with unique characteristics suited to various purposes. Some goats are reared for dairy production and others for meat or fibre, while there are a few that are kept simply as pets, for enjoyment, interest and companionship.
Popular breeds include the Anglo-Nubian, known for its rich milk, the hardy British Alpine, and the versatile Boer goat. Many of these breeds contribute significantly to British agriculture and heritage.
Looking for more information about British farm animals? You may be interested in our guides to sheep breeds, cattle breeds and pig breeds.
10 goat breeds of Britain
Bagot
This ancient native breed is known to have existed continuously since the 1380s. The name comes from the Bagot family of Blithfield Hall in Staffordshire, who owned the earliest known herd.
The Bagot is a medium-sized goat, with long hair and horns. It has a nervous character. The striking colour pattern that most breeders aim for is entirely black from nose to shoulder, and white behind the shoulder line.
Bagot numbers have fluctuated for a variety of reasons, but the breed is now secure and herds exist in many locations. Numbers are on the up, even though Bagot’s aren’t really known for being productive—maybe just for meat. If you’re thinking about buying Bagot stock, make sure it’s pure-bred!
Boer
Boers are docile by nature, despite their large size, and they graze well. Adult bucks (males) can reach 150kg, while does (females) can weigh up to 100kg.
The Boer goat is a specialist meat goat that originates from South Africa; UK boers were imported from Europe in the late 1980s, although since 2000 boers have been imported from Canada and New Zealand to strengthen the genetic pool.
Golden Guernsey
The Golden Guernsey is usually a golden colour, with medium gold being the most common shade. However, you might also see coats that range from pale blonde to deep bronze. The coat length can vary quite a bit, but it typically has some fringing.
The Golden Guernsey was first imported to England in 1965. They are smaller than the British dairy breeds, fine boned, and are generally quiet and docile. In many respects they are ideal 'household' goats. They have a good yield in relation to their size – and quite sufficient for most households. The milk is relatively high in fat and protein to make it suitable for yoghurt and cheese.
British Alpine
This goat sports a striking black coat with white "Swiss markings" and was bred right here in the UK.
It has a lean, rangy build and a short, fine coat. The overall look is pretty impressive, especially in the summer when its black coat shines with a beautiful gloss.
Angora
The Angora goat is an ancient breed, with records showing that people have been using its hair for clothing since way back in the 14th century BC.
Mohair, the name given to the fleece of Angora goats, comes from the Arabic word 'Mukhaya', meaning 'cloth of bright lustrous goat hair'. While other goat breeds are double-coated (coarse outer hairs and an under-down), Angora goats are the only single-coated breed.
Mohair is a super fine and luxurious fiber that takes dye really well, resulting in vibrant colours. It's sometimes referred to as the 'diamond fibre' because of its lustre and hardwearing properties.
A heavy fleece from a male goat may weigh 6kg and that from a female 4kg, so a sturdy body and strong legs are important.
Angora goats need a good amount of forage in their diet, and they also appreciate cosy shelter after shearing and during kidding season.
British Saanen
The British Saanen is a white goat that was created in the UK by breeding with imported Saanen goats. They have short, fine coats, but you might spot some freckles or colour patches on their skin.
Interestingly, if you breed a purebred Saanen with a British Saanen, their kids can still be registered as British Saanens. These goats are taller and heavier than regular Saanens.
They're known for their calm nature and producing high yields of milk. Farmer’s love British Saanens because they're great for making lots of milk year-round. They also do well in big groups, which is perfect for larger farms. That's why many big dairy goat farms in the UK use British Saanens as their main breed, especially when they're focused on selling fresh milk.
British Toggerburg
The British Toggenburg is a striking goat with brown and white "Swiss markings" that was developed in the UK. Breeders typically prefer a medium-brown colour, but lighter and darker shades can also be found. They usually have short, silky coats with slight fringes of longer hair allowed.
As with Saneen goats, registered purebred Toggenburgs can be bred with British Toggenburgs, and their offspring can still be registered as British Toggenburgs.
British Toggenburgs are known for their strong, robust build and good longevity, along with solid dairy conformation. This breed is one of the most popular in the UK and is commonly found on commercial farms where cheese is a primary product.
Pygmy
Pygmy goats are miniatures, genetically dwarfed; they are kept mainly for enjoyment and companionship. The adult Pygmy has a maximum height at the withers of approximately 56cm for males, less for females, short legs and cobby(stocky) bodies. They can be any colour except completely white.
They are generally quiet and docile, but there is some variation, as one would expect with goats.
Housing requirements are less demanding than for the dairy breeds, since the goats are so much smaller. The goats like company, so keeping single Pygmies should be avoided.
Pygmies need a high proportion of dietary fibre on a daily basis (80% by weight of the diet is a guide), hay being the main feature; they also need small amounts of low protein goat mix twice a day.
The Pygmy Goat Club has set breed standards regarding size and type, and organises show classes for Pygmy goats.
English
English goats are bred to be the Jack of all trades and suited to the British climate and vegetation, which makes them an ideal breed for smallholders. The female goat efficiently produces a steady milk supply, which reduces the need for concentrated feeds.
Coat colour is variable, mainly brown or grey, with a characteristic dark line 'eel stripe' along the back. There are usually dark markings on head, legs and flanks; white patches are permitted, but Swiss markings are ideally absent.
Hair length varies, frequently being longer in males. An underdown is often grown in winter. Hardiness, a sturdy body and a docile temperament, are important.
Anglo Nubian
The main identifying feature of this breed is the head, which has a pronounced 'Roman' nose and long drooping ears. The goat has a long deep body and an upright stance. The large number of colour variations in the short silky coat adds to the attractiveness of the breed.
The milk is ideal for yoghurt and cheese making. The breed is also well suited to meat production, both in its own right and when crossed with other breeds. It adapts well to hot climates and has resulted in demand for exports to increase both milk and meat production.
To learn more about goats, visit the British Goat Society.
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