Quick answer
The domestic goat is a hardy, agile ruminant kept around the world for its milk, meat, fibre, and skins. Descended from the wild bezoar ibex of the Middle East, it was one of the earliest animals to be domesticated, around ten thousand years ago. A typical goat weighs 30 to 80 kg depending on the breed and stands out for its remarkable climbing ability and curious, sociable nature. Well cared-for goats commonly live 12 to 15 years.
Top questions about the Domestic Goat
Also available in Español (Cabra doméstica)
Domestic Goat facts at a glance
- Weight 50 kg
- Length 1 m
- Top speed 16 km/h
- Lifespan 15 years
| Scientific name | Capra hircus |
|---|---|
| Diet | Browser — shrubs, leaves, bark, and weeds |
| Habitat | Farms and rangeland worldwide; origin in Middle East |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years (longer for pets) |
| Weight | 30–80 kg (66–175 lb); breeds vary |
| Top speed | Up to 16 km/h (10 mph); excellent climber |
| Conservation status | Domesticated (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Artiodactyla |
| Family | Bovidae |
| Genus | Capra |
Where it lives
The domestic goat (Capra hircus) is native to Domesticated worldwide; wild bezoar ibex ancestor from Middle East mountains. — recorded across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America in this guide’s range summary.
For occurrence records, see GBIF species search and sources below.
How big is a domestic goat?
An adult domestic goat measures 1 m long — about 58% of the height of an average adult person (1.73 m) — and weighs around 50 kg, about 71% of an average adult’s body weight (70 kg).
Length vs an average adult’s height (to scale)
What is a group of domestic goats called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Domestic Goats is called a herd.
Baby name
A baby Domestic Goat is called a kid.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Origins and domestication
Goats were among the first livestock animals to be domesticated, tamed from the wild bezoar ibex in the mountains of the Middle East roughly ten thousand years ago. Their hardiness and willingness to eat a wide range of plants made them invaluable to early farmers, and they spread with people across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Today there are hundreds of breeds adapted to climates from desert to alpine. Their scientific name is Capra hircus.
Breeds and uses
Domestic goats are bred for many purposes, and different breeds specialise in milk, meat, or fibre. Dairy breeds such as the Saanen and Nubian are prized for their milk, which is also made into cheese, while Boer goats are raised chiefly for meat. Fibre breeds like the Angora and Cashmere produce mohair and cashmere wool. Weights range widely, from around 30 kg in smaller breeds to 80 kg or more in the largest.
Diet and browsing
Unlike sheep and cattle, which mainly graze grass, goats are browsers that prefer shrubs, leaves, bark, and weeds. This taste for woody and coarse plants lets them thrive on rough land that would not support other livestock, and makes them useful for clearing overgrown vegetation. As ruminants, they ferment their food in a four-chambered stomach and chew the cud to extract nutrients. Their agility helps them reach leaves and branches well above head height.
Climbing and agility
Goats are exceptional climbers, able to scale steep, rocky slopes and even lean tree trunks in search of food. Their hooves have hard outer rims and soft, grippy inner pads that give them sure footing on precarious ledges. They can move at up to 16 km/h and balance on remarkably narrow footholds. This sure-footedness is inherited from their wild mountain ancestors and remains one of the goat's most striking traits.
Behaviour and intelligence
Goats are social, curious, and surprisingly clever animals that live naturally in herds. They form strong bonds within the group, establish clear pecking orders, and can recognise the faces and voices of their companions and handlers. Research has shown they can learn to solve simple puzzles for food and remember the solutions for months. Their inquisitive, mischievous nature means they are quick to test fences and explore anything new.
Dig deeper into the Domestic Goat
- Domestic Goat: Key Facts
Goats were domesticated in the Fertile Crescent and climb steep terrain eating shrubs other livestock avoid.
- How Big Is A Domestic Goat?
Domestic Goat size and weight: typical 30–80 kg (66–175 lb); breeds vary, dimorphism, and growth.
- How Long Do Domestic Goats Live?
Domestic Goat lifespan is typically 12–15 years (longer for pets). What shortens or extends life, life stages, and status (Domesticated).
- What Do Domestic Goats Eat?
What domestic goats eat: Browser — shrubs, leaves, bark, and weeds, foraging style, and seasonal shifts in Farms and rangeland worldwide; origin in Middle East.
- Where Do Domestic Goats Live?
Where domestic goats live: Farms and rangeland worldwide; origin in Middle East, native range cues, and human overlap. Status Domesticated.
Explore the Domestic Goat
Compare
Did you know? Domestic Goat facts
- Goats were domesticated in the Fertile Crescent and climb steep terrain eating shrubs other livestock avoid.
- Myth — they lick labels for salt but do not eat metal.
- Goats browse upright with tails up; sheep graze with tails down.
- Conservation: Domesticated.
Diet & feeding
Domestic Goat feeds primarily as a browse — shrubs, leaves, weeds.
Adaptations
- Goats prefer leaves and bark over grass, reducing competition with sheep.
- Flexible hooves and balance let goats scale near-vertical rock.
Behaviour & ecology
- Goats prefer leaves and bark over grass, reducing competition with sheep.
- Flexible hooves and balance let goats scale near-vertical rock.
Communication
- Domestic Goat uses scent, posture, and vocal signals to mark territory and coordinate social behaviour.
- Communication intensity often peaks during breeding seasons and territorial disputes.
Habitat & range
Farms and rangeland worldwide
Ecological role
Domestic Goat shapes vegetation through grazing or browsing and serves as prey for larger predators where ranges overlap.
Conservation status of the Domestic Goat
The domestic goat (Capra hircus) is listed as Domesticated on the IUCN Red List. Domesticated animals are species kept and selectively bred by humans over many generations, such as dogs, cats, and livestock. They are not assessed for extinction risk in the wild by the IUCN, because their populations are managed by people rather than subject to natural pressures.
The domestic goat (Capra hircus) is assessed on the IUCN Red List. Look up on the IUCN Red List .
Frequently asked questions about the Domestic Goat
How long do goats live?
Domestic goats typically live 12 to 15 years, and pet goats that are well cared for can live even longer. Lifespan depends on breed, diet, and access to veterinary care.
What do goats eat?
Goats are browsers rather than grazers, preferring shrubs, leaves, bark, and weeds over grass. As ruminants they ferment their food in a four-chambered stomach, and their taste for coarse, woody plants lets them thrive on rough land other livestock cannot use.
Why are goats such good climbers?
Goats have hooves with hard outer rims and soft, grippy inner pads that give them excellent traction on steep and rocky ground. Combined with a strong sense of balance inherited from their wild mountain ancestors, this lets them scale cliffs and even lean tree trunks to reach food.
What are goats used for?
Goats are kept worldwide for their milk, meat, fibre, and skins. Dairy breeds provide milk and cheese, meat breeds such as the Boer are raised for their meat, and fibre breeds like the Angora and Cashmere produce mohair and cashmere wool.
Are goats intelligent animals?
Yes, goats are notably clever and social. They can recognise the faces and voices of their companions and handlers, solve simple puzzles for food, and remember the solutions for months. Their curiosity and problem-solving often lead them to test fences and escape enclosures.
How much does a goat weigh?
A goat's weight depends heavily on its breed, ranging from around 30 kg in smaller breeds to 80 kg or more in the largest. Males are generally heavier and more muscular than females.
What is a group of domestic goats called?
A group of Domestic Goats is called a herd.
What is a baby domestic goat called?
A baby Domestic Goat is called a kid.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Domestic Goat:
-
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Domesticated) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Capra hircus.
-
iNaturalist — observations & photos
Search citizen-science observations and community IDs for Capra hircus. Useful for range checks and recent sightings — not a substitute for formal Red List status.
-
GBIF — occurrence data
Global Biodiversity Information Facility species search for Capra hircus. Explore published occurrence records used in range research.
- IUCN Red List — Capra hircus.
Conservation status (Domesticated) and population trends.
- Animal Diversity Web — Capra hircus. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
Life history, morphology, and range.
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Global Animal Guide editorial standards
How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.
