Breed Advice

[goatiegurl*Oh]

Hi, there are a few breeds Im really interested in,and Im haing a hard time trying to choose between them.They are Alpine,Lamancha,Nubian,and Nigerians.I've found a few breeders near me with these breeds, and as far as health,quality and price, they are all about the same.My ideal would be a friendly,gentle,quiet,easy to handle goat.I would also like to show,and try cheesemaking.I know everyone has a faveorite breed that they like,but what breed,or breeds in general do you think would best fit this?

Thanks for any advice!

[Freeholder]

I've had Alpines and Nubians, of the ones on your list. Have never had LaManchas, but from what I've heard from people who do have them, I think they would best fit your criteria, if everything else is equal.

Kathleen

[xoxoGOATSxoxo]

I think Nigies and LaManchas would be easiest to handle, because Alpines are aggressive and stubborn, and Nubians are just plain stubborn. I dont know much about LaManchas, but I know that the Nigies would be easy beacause anybody can drag a goat that size, even if it plants its feet.
Alpines are friendly, usually, to people, but not to other animals.
Nubians are LOUD.
Since those were things on your list, friendly, easy to handle, and quiet, I would not get Nubians or Alpines, even though thay are both very nice breeds.
(Personally? I dont like LaManchas or Nigies, but dont let personal opinions of others influence you.)

[PygmyLover]

ask that question and you will get a thousand different answers.

I say they are all great breeds!

Abby Pygmies are above all the most stubborn!

[Patty0315]

I know its not on your list but Saanens and Sables are known for being easy going.

Patty

[Patty0315]

So easy a 7 year old can handle most of them

[trnubian]

I have to put in a vote for the saanens as well. They are EXTREMELY laid back and have a "do whatever you want I'll just stand here as long as you love on me" attitude.

For what you are wanting the Saanen should fit in well. While it will take more milk to make cheese with a Saanen compared with a nubian that is to be expected.

It sounds like a Lamancha would be a good fit for you though from your list.

[Jessies Nubians]

I am biased I love my Nubians! They are only loud when they want food or want to be milked. As long as they are content, they are quiet. As far as being gentle, I raised both my milkers from a bottle and they are as gentle as kittens. I simply put my hand under their neck and they will go wherever I want them to. So I would say, if you want Nubians, get 4 week old kids and raise them yourself. Gentle them and they will be gentle when they are mature three year olds that weigh 150 pounds. They are not as nice when they have one or more of these criteria
1) they have nursed their dam
2) they have not been gentled
3) they have been gentled by someone other than yourself
However, I have seen some good milkers that were pretty gentle. I guess it depends on the goat because I have also seen mean, bossy, loud, and extremely stubborn Nubians.

[goatiegurl*Oh]

Maybe I need a Lamancha AND a Saanen then. I've heard both breeds tend to have really easy going personalities,and are good milkers to.

[jvicars]

New goat owner here. I have lamanchas and they are easy to deal with for a newbie. I have never owned goats. My new male buckling is shy otherwise they are like dogs.

[goatwishingstar]

i have alpines and im mixing a saanen in with them. alpines do really well if you live up north, but they can be aggressive. ive heard and witnessed how much more gentle saanens can be. but overall, climate is everything. a nubian or lamancha would suit you well if you live down south where its warm all year, but up north its best to get some northern breeds.

if it aint broke, dont fix it!

[ozark_jewels]

Lamanchas fit your stated criteria the best.

[fishhead]

Are all nubians LOUD? I'm concerned they might attract stray dogs or other predators if they are always bawling.

I am thinking about replacing my small herd and found some nubian and saanen wethers.