What to look for in a good dairy goat:

  • Straight line from shoulders to rump.
  • Strong and straight legs.
  • Wider set back hip bones to make kidding easier and also to make space for a big udder.
  • Strong medial ligament- dividing line between the halves of the udder- to support a milk load and to prevent sagging.
  • Good udder attachment- smooth connection without a “pocket” on the front and back sides.
  • Angular body structure- the back half of the goat should be wider than the front to allow for space for kidding and strong internal structure.
  • Wide and straight set pelvis- legs point forward and aren’t bowed in or out at all.

Of course breeding has a lot to do with whether or not you get good goats. Only breeding with goats who fit the criteria and looking at the mothers of the bucks used will help tell if the female kids will have nice udders, hips, etc. Choosing a good dairy goat breed with desired quantities of milk and butterfat levels will also decide how your goat will turn out.