If you’re like most people, when you think of goats, you probably picture a cute and cuddly creature with short hair.
But did you know that there are some goat breeds out there with long, flowing, and downright dramatic hair?
That’s right – these are the hairy goat breeds!
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at these fascinating animals, learning everything from how they’re bred to what makes them unique.
Let’s get started!
31 Hairiest Goat Breeds
These goats not only have a unique look to them, but they also have a range of benefits that might surprise you.
So, let’s take a look at some of the hairiest goats in the world and see what makes them so special.
1. Angora
Angora goatsare one of the most well-known hairy goat breeds. They are bred for their luxurious, soft mohair fibers, which can be used for clothing, blankets, and rugs.
The fiber is considered finer than wool, yet also much stronger.
The great thing about Angora goats is that they actually produce enough mohair each year to survive even in the toughest of climates.
2. Cashmere
Cashmere goatsare another type of hairy goat that is valued for its unusually fine undercoat of cashmere wool.
This breed of goat is often found in Central Asia and is known for its ability to thrive in harsh environments.
Aside from being sheared for their cashmere fiber, Cashmere goats are also used for their milk and meat.
3. Pygora
If you’re looking for a hybrid goat that combines the best traits of both Angora and Pygmy goats, thePygora breedmight be the answer. It has a soft coat and is small in size.
Pygora goats produce cashmere, mohair, or a combination of both, depending on their breeding.
4. Shetland
Shetland goats are much smaller than other hairy goat breeds due to their island origins. They have a thick, fine, and soft undercoat that is well adapted for cold weather.
Shetland goats are also great for milk and meat production, and they were originally bred for this purpose.
5. Nigora
The Nigora goat is a Nigerian Dwarf Angora cross, and it is known for its adorable looks and energetic personality.
Nigora山羊生产的羊毛sof得多ter than Angora wool and can be used for just about any woven or knitted product. They are also very friendly and love to play.
6. Orobica
These medium-sized goats from the Bergamo Alps in northern Italy are known for their thick andlong hair.
The Orobica breed is one of the eight Italian goat breeds for which a genealogical herdbook is kept. Their origins may be unknown, but their hair is a sight to behold.
Fun fact:In 2013, the Orobica goat’s milk was awarded the Slow Food Presidia.
7. Changthangi
These goats are found around Ladakh in Kashmir, India, and are known for their cashmere production. They have long and thick hair that is used for textiles.
Changthangi goats also have large twisting horns that add to their unique appearance.
In 2012, Noori, the first cloned Pashmina goat, was cloned in Kashmir.
8. Finnish Landrace
The Finnish Landrace goat is a breed primarily bred for milk production. These goats are found primarily in western Finland and are available both polled and horned.
They have a luscious white coat, with some individuals being gray or pied. The breed is a favorite among farmers due to its ease of handling and milk output.
9. Maltese
These dairy goats from the Mediterranean area are known for their excellent milk production and luscious hair.
Despite originating in Asia Minor, they are called Maltese goats because of the island of Malta. The breed is known to be hardy and adaptable to different environmental conditions.
10. Chigu
Hailing from India, these goats are bred for cashmere and meat.
These white goats boast long, twisted horns and shaggy coats that make them look like they just walked out of a salon.
Their wooly exterior is perfect for cold winter weather, and their meat is supposed to be quite tasty as well.
11. Asmari
These little guys are native to Iran and are known for their soft, curly coats that give them a rather cute and cuddly appearance.
The Asmari’s wool is used in a variety of products, including clothing and carpet, and they’re often kept as pets as well.
12. Valais Blackneck
Valais Blackneck Goats are a meat and dairy breed found in Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and Germany.
These goats have a distinctive coloring, with black hair from the nose to behind the shoulder and white hair from there to the tail.
Their wool is famously soft and fine and used in various high-end products.
13. Bilberry
This unique feral breed is believed to have lived in one herd on Bilberry Rock in Waterford City in the south of Ireland for hundreds of years. They’re large, with shaggy coats and very large horns.
Bilberry goats are not like any other breed of goat found in Ireland or Great Britain and are thought to be related to Pashmina, Maltese, or Cashmere goats.
Locals believe they came over with the Vikings, but regardless of their origin, these furry creatures are truly something special.
14.萨能奶山羊
Thesedairy goats, originally from Switzerland, are known for their high productivity and ease of management.
But they also happen to be quite hairy, with thick coats that range from creamy white to light tan.
While they may not be winning any beauty contests, they definitely have some serious hair games.
15. Messinese
This dairy goat hails from the Mediterranean island of Sicily and is found in various provinces. This breed is also known as the Capra dei Nebrodi or, in general, the Siciliana Comune.
The Messinese goat may not have as much hair as the Saanen, but they make up for it with their unique horns, which twist into a spiral.
And with their long beard and primarily white coat with grey-brown hair around the head and throat, they certainly have a distinctive look.
16. Girgentana
Thisgoat breedcomes from Agrigento, Sicily, and at one point, there were more than 30,000 Girgentana goats in the hills and coastal zone of the province.
However, today the registered population is under 500 goats.
These goats have long beards and primarily white coats with grey-brown hair around the head and throat.
But what makes them really stand out is their unique horns, which also twist into a spiral. They are hairy and beautiful creatures!
17. Golden Guernsey
These adorable goats are native to the Bailiwick of Guernsey on the Channel Islands and come in a range of gold colors from pale blond to deep bronze.
Not only are they smaller and more fine-boned than other British milking goats, but their long, shaggy coats make them some of the hairiest goats around.
18. Danish Landrace
While this breed can be traced back to Denmark since 3400 BC, their limited numbers today are due to cross-breeding with goats from other regions.
Despite this, Danish Landrace goats are still known for their bushy beards and shaggy coats that come in various colors, including white, caramel, and even spotted.
19. Anatolian Black
If you’re looking for a goat with a unique look, the Anatolian Black might be the one for you. This breed is native to Turkey and is raised for itsmeat,milk, and fiber.
With their drooping ears and coarse, long hair, these goats may look intimidating, but they are gentle and easy to handle.
Plus, their striking black coats make them a standout addition to any goat herd.
20. Anglo Nubian
Anglo-Nubian goats are a cross between British goats and African and Indian bucks.
These all-purpose goats are renowned for their thick, lush coats that range in color from tawny to copper-red.
The Anglo-Nubian breed is not only great for meat production but also has high butterfat content in their milk, making them a popular choice for cheese-making.
21. Booted Goat
Booted Goats are a variety of Mountain Goats that are native to Switzerland. They’re easy to recognize, with their distinctive gray or red-brown coats and black or brown “boots” (markings on their legs).
Although they were nearly extinct in the 1980s, the Booted goat breed was saved by the Foundation Pro Specie Rara.
This breed is now mainly found in eastern Switzerland and is valued for its rich milk and tasty meat.
22. Bagot
Bagot goats are one of the world’s rarest breeds, with only a few hundred remaining worldwide.
These were first introduced to England at Blithfield Hall in the 1380s, tracing their ancestry back to goats of the Rhone Valley.
Their semi-wild lifestyle at Blithfield Hall has helped them to retain their uniquely wild and independent character.
Bagots are incredibly hardy goats that thrive in tough terrain, and their shaggy coats make perfect insulation against harsh weather conditions.
23. Pygmy
What these goats lack in stature, they more than makeup for in hairiness!
These adorable little creatures were originally from West African countries and are known for their short legs and fuzzy coats.
Despite their small stature, they pack big personalities and make great pets.Pygmy goatshave curly and soft hair that comes in various colors, including brown, white, and black.
24. Pyrenean
This breed hails from the Pyrenees of France and Spain and is known for its long and luxurious hair.
They are often used for milk and meat production, but their beautiful coats have also made them popular pets.
Pyrenean goats can be either horned or polled and usually come in dark brown or black with a paler belly and feet.
25. Hejazi
This breed originates from Arabia and is primarily used for its meat. Hejazi goats have long, black hair that can grow up to six inches in length.
Although they have a rough exterior, they are surprisingly docile and affectionate.
26. Chamba
These goats are from the Himalayan region in India and have soft, white hair.
They are often used to transport products up and down the hilly sides of the region and are known to be sturdy and reliable.
昌巴山羊小姐也是一个受欢迎的品种lk production.
27. Bionda dell’ Adamello
These bad boys hail from the northern Italian region of Lombardy and are known for their uniquely colored hair, which ranges from dark tan to light blonde.
These goats have been around since the 1700s and are thought to be one of the oldest goat breeds in the world.
他们也臭名昭著ly resilient and able to withstand the harsh winter conditions of the Italian Alps with ease.
28. Hexi Cashmere
If you’re a fan of cashmere, then you’ll be delighted to hear that the Hexi Cashmere goat is the primary source of cashmere fiber in China.
These goats’ coats are made up of soft, fine hair that’s perfect for keeping you warm in winter.
Interestingly enough, the name ‘cashmere’ actually comes from the wild and mountainous region of Kashmir in India, where the fiber was first woven.
29. Icelandic Goats
Next up is the ancient breed of Icelandic Goats, also known as the Settlement goat. Originating from Norway, these fluffy beings have been around for over 1100 years.
Icelandic goats are nestled in remote areas of Iceland, which has resulted in their high levels of inbreeding.
They have a thick guard coat which makes them great for thriving in snowy environments.
30. Kaghani
The Kaghani goat is a large goat breed from Pakistan that produces a good crop of long hair (per head/year 2 kg) with an undercoat of cashmere wool.
They are bred primarily for their fiber and meat and can come in various colors, including white, gray, brown, and black.
31. Zhongwei
Zhongwei goats have a unique adaptation to their arid desert steppes habitat. They live solely on salty or sandy plants or shrubs, which gives their coat a distinct flavor.
They are bred primarily for the production of kid pelts and for their cashmere fiber.
Zhongwei goats are horned, with the males having upward and twisted horns. They have an average weight of 85 pounds for males and 55 pounds for females.
How to Care for Goats With Long Hair
Hairy goats are adorable, but taking care of a goat with long hair isn’t all fun and games. It requires a lot of work, and it could become a nightmare without proper maintenance.
So, if you’re a goat owner with a mane-taming emergency or someone interested in buying a long-haired goat as a pet, here are some tips.
Brush, Brush, Brush
The first and arguably the most important step in taking care of a long-haired goat is brushing.
Gentlybrushing your goatevery day helps remove dirt, dead hair, and mats in the hair. If mats become too large, they can pull on the goat’s skin, causing pain and irritation.
Brushing also helps keep the goat’s circulatory system healthy by distributing oils from the skin to the hair shaft.
Make sure to use a soft-bristled brush and not apply too much pressure while brushing. You can brush the hair while the goat munches on hay or while lying down.
Bathe Your Goat
Goats with long hair tend to sweat more compared to other goats. This can cause rashes and skin infections.
That’s why it’s important to maintain good hygiene by bathing your goat. Bath your goat once every two months or when you see visible dirt on its coat.
Use mild soap and water to clean the coat thoroughly. Rinse the coat with clean water and dry it immediately using a towel to avoid any chances of fungal or bacterial growth.
Trim the Hair Regularly
Trimming your goat’s hair also helps maintain good hygiene. Trim the hair on your goat’s face, underbelly, and legs withelectric clippersor scissors every two to three months.
You can leave the hair on their tails longer than the rest. Remember, when trimming, always leave a layer of hair on your goat’s body to avoid sunburns and other skin problems.
Nutrition is Key
Feed your goat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Goats with long hair require additional nutrients like protein, fiber, and omega fats to maintain healthy coats.
Overfeeding your goat can cause obesity, which is harmful. Provide them fresh hay, grass, and vegetables, and limit grains and sugary treats.
Hairy Goat Breeds: Final Thoughts
Overall, hairy goat breeds are a unique and fascinating subset of these popular farm animals. From their long, flowing hair to their quirky personalities, they make excellent pets or additions to a ranch or farm.
是否你感兴趣的繁殖他们,keeping them as pets, or just appreciating their wild and wooly beauty, there’s no denying the appeal of these hairy creatures.
So why not add a little touch of the wild to your life and welcome a hairy goat into your home? We bet you won’t regret it!