# What Are the Best Goats for Pets? URL: https://buzzle.com/animals-pets/best-goats-for-pets Category: Animals & Pets Published: 2020-08-26T21:51:43 Updated: 2026-08-19T03:32:42 Image: https://buzzle.com/_astro/best-goats-for-pets.CNFY0_sk_1o0qVS.webp **Goats are rising in popularity** across the United States, as more and more Americans decide to purchase the animals as pets. If you’re considering buying one, you might be wondering: **what are the best goats for pets**? With hundreds of goat breeds, finding the right one for you can be complicated. In this post, we’ll look at the **five best goats for pets**, including details about **their origins and their key characteristics**. We’ll also share some vital information to know before you decide to bring one home. ## What should I know before buying a pet goat? As far as farm animals go, goats are relatively **self-sufficient and low-maintenance**. However, if you’ve never owned one before, there are some [essential things](https://buzzle.com/animals-pets/pet-adoption-adopt-pet) to know ahead of time. ### Are you willing to take care of multiple goats? **Goats are herd animals by nature**, and they don’t do well on their own. That’s why experts recommend starting with at least two goats. Buying [female goats](https://buzzle.com/animals-pets/cute-male-female-pet-goat-names) (called does) is a smart choice for new goat owners because males (also known as bucks) can be **aggressive and smelly**. A buck’s odor can even be strong enough to taint the milk that does produce. ### What purpose will the goats serve? Some people just want to own **goats as pets**, while others might want to use them to make milk, cheese, or meat. If you’re looking for a goat to produce dairy, breeds like Nigerian Dwarf and Nubian are known for their **excellent milk-producing ability**. ### How much space do you have? At a minimum, you need [20 square feet per adult goat](https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/hobby-farming/raising-goats/how-many-goats-should-you-get/) for sleeping and another 30 square feet per goat for **outdoor exercise and grazing**. ### Can you afford to have goats? Like any other pet, goats will require **food and veterinary care**. They’ll also need supplemental minerals, hay, and a place to climb. Before you commit to buying any goats, make sure you understand the **financial commitment** that comes with goat ownership. ## What are the best goats for pets? Ready to take the leap into **goat ownership**? Great! Let’s look at five of the best goats for pets. ### Nigerian Dwarf goats Nigerian Dwarf goats are **miniature-sized goats with tons of personality**. They’re fantastic dairy producers, so they’re a great choice if you’re looking to get milk, cheese, or yogurt from your goats. ### Pygmy goats Pygmy goats have received tons of attention on social media for their adorable antics. Since they’re small (comparable to a medium-sized dog), **pygmies are a wonderful option for families with children.** ### Nubian goats Nubian goats originally came from England, unlike the Nigerian dwarf and Pygmy breeds, which originated in Africa. They’re also much larger. Their milk has **high butterfat content,** making Nubians a top pick for people who want a dairy goat. ### LaMancha goats Like Nubian goats, LaMancha goats are large in size and **popular as a milking breed**. Even though they’re big, LaMancha goats are relatively quiet and docile, making them suitable for people with smaller properties. ### Alpine goats As you might expect, Alpine goats originated in the French Alps. They’re known for their big size, dairy-producing ability, and friendliness. When they have babies, does are **incredibly nurturing mothers too.** For more pet-related content, [visit the Buzzle blog](https://buzzle.com/).