The English Goat
The English Goat is a beautifully marked, deer-like goat bred to be a hardy multipurpose contributor to the smallholding.
English Goats are tractable, docile and co-operative, whilst retaining a gentle capricious nature. They produce enough milk to fulfill normal household needs on a minimum volume of concentrated feed. Capable of milking through two years, they give a good conversion rate of milk and meat. They are not fussy eaters and are prepared to consume a wide range of fodder and thrive in the British climate.
As well as keeping English goats in order to preserve their unique, UK-hardy rare-breed genetics the current members of The English Goat Breeders Association also keep them for a variety of very practical uses including;
Milk production. The naturally high level of solids in English Goat milk means it makes lovely cheeses. Some members also make it into soap.
Meat production. The conversion rate into meat means that young stock can be expected to be butcher-ready at 12 months and has a superb flavour.
Goat skins. The attractive and individual markings on their coats make beautifully patterned goat skin rugs. They are also used for making drums.
Conservation and wildflower meadow grazing. English Goats really do take on the appearance of deer in this situation. They nibble their way through long grass picking out their favourite bits whilst stepping daintily without flattening the sward. They are particularly adept at grazing out shrubby growth, tackling brambles and other bully weeds with good effect. English Goats can be found working for Northumberland Wildlife Trust and also on the Isles of Scilly for their Wildlife Trust.
Companion animals. Grazing with other species is good for intestinal worm management and apart from the odd mane and tail chewer they make excellent companions for horses and ponies.
Pets/Therapy. They are intelligent and trainable and always pleased to see you. They recognise individual people, respond to their name and will probably “name” you too with a particular bleat when they see you. Well-handled English goats are as gentle and responsive as well trained dogs and make novel alternatives for therapy. A few of our members offer “Walking with Goats” experiences. See our Attractions With English Goats page for more information.
Harness Goats. Taking the “pet theme” further, English goats - particularly wethers - make excellent candidates for harness training, either as pack goats or hitched to carts. For more information regarding harness goats please take a look at the Harness Goat Website.
TV/Film extras. For example: The Scottish based drama “Outlander” features goats from the Kenside Herd of Pedigree English Goats and the film “Horrible Histories: The Rotten Romans” have the Butser Herd of Pedigree English Goats based in Hampshire providing historic authenticity as they wander through many scenes. The Rushcroft Herd of Pedigree English Goats have been interviewed by Alan Titchmarsh in his ITV series “Love Your Weekend”, first aired on Sunday 18th October 2020. It can be viewed on the ITV Hub (look for Episode 7). The Wildcroft Herd of Pedigree English Goats was also featured on BBC 2's Marcus Wareing's Tales from a Kitchen Garden in 2023.
There is a Grading System for the English Goat which is based on how many previous generations have also been registered. For instance an “A grade” English goat has five generations previously registered in the Herd Book, whilst an “E Grade” English goat will only have one parent registered.
Regardless of whether they are classified as “A grade” or “E grade” all English Goats may only be registered in the Herd Book if they fulfill the breed standard which has not markedly changed since it was first agreed in 1978.
Page Updated 20/01/2024
