Discover The 10 Largest Goats In The World

Remember the story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff that cross over the bridge and run into a troll. The story does not go into detail about which species of goat each bigger goat was, and if you think there is a species of “Billy” goats, you would be mistaken. Billy refers to the name of male goats, also called bucks. But if this story were more factual and included goat breeds increasing in size, which goat would be the largest? Continue reading to learn about the 10 largest goats in the world.

10. Angora Goats 180-220lb

Angora goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) are fiber goats, raised for their mohair, and can supply 12 inches of mohair a year. Mohair was originally from Turkey and used in textiles, outerwear, and yarn. These goats have long white/ivory hair and look somewhat like Old English Sheepdogs. They have curved horns that come out from the sides of their heads. Male Angora goats can grow to be 180 to 220 pounds.

9. Ibex 180-220lb

An ibex (Capra aegagrus aegagrus) is a wild goat that lives in Europe, Asia, and Africa. They live in the high altitudes of the mountains and are sure-footed. Different ibex species can be differentiated by the size and shape of their horns. Ibex have large horns that come straight out from the top of their head and curve backwards. Male ibexes live together, and the females form a separate herd. The alpine ibex (Capra ibex) is the middle-sized ibex, averaging 180-220 pounds, with the Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica) being larger and the Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) being smaller.

8. Alpine Goats 180-220lb

Alpine goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) are originally from the Swiss Alps, but are now domesticated goats raised for their milk. In the United States, goat milk is used most commonly for cheese. The average alpine goat can produce 3-5 quarts of milk a day; goat’s milk can be a great alternative for those allergic to cow’s milk. Alpine goats are around 180-220 pounds.

7. Savanna Goats 200-250lb

Savanna goats (Capra hircus) are an all-white goat breed that has shorter horns and are domesticated goats originally from South Africa. They are now domestic goats that are bred as livestock. Goat meat is used as a beef substitute because it has fewer calories and is lower in fat, and is higher in protein and iron. These goats range in size from 200-250 pounds.

6. Kalahari Red 230-250lb

These goats are called Kalahari red (Capra aegagrus hircus) due to their red coloration. They have horns that come out from the top of their head and curve downwards. These goats are originally from South Africa, but are now domesticated and are easy to care for due to their resistance to disease and parasites. They are bred as livestock and can grow to be 230-250 pounds.

5. Mountain Goat 180-260lb

Oreamnos americanus, the mountain goat, is a wild goat that lives in the mountains of the Northwest United States and large parts of British Columbia. Recognized by their white coats, horns that stick straight up, and the males’ white beards. They are known to be amazing climbers and can scale seemingly impossible ice-covered cliffs. Their hoofs have adapted to secure a strong foothold, and they are also skilled jumpers, being able to jump more than 5 feet. Mountain goats weigh between 180 and 260 pounds.

4. Markhor 170-270lb

Markhors (Capra falconeri) are considered the largest of the wild goat species, weighing between 170-270 pounds. Their most distinguishing feature is their large spiral horns. These are thicker, rigid horns that can grow to be 5 feet long. Markhors are found in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan, and are the national animal of Pakistan. Their coloration ranges from grey to dark brown, and they have long beards that cover their front half.

3. Saanen Goats 160-290lb

Saanen goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) are known for their milk production, being able to produce 1-3 gallons/day during peak periods. These white goats are the largest of the Switzerland goats and can reach weights of 290 pounds. They are a domestic goat that has been in the US since the early 20th century.

2. Kiko Goats 250-300lb

These goats are all muscle. Kiko goats (Capra aegagrus Hircus) are shorter than many other goat breeds, with heights not more than 30 inches, but they pack a lot into that smaller size. They are a domestic goat from New Zealand and can weigh between 250 and 300 pounds.

1. Boer Goats 300+ Pounds

Boer goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) are the largest goat breed and are recognized by their white bodies and red heads, and necks. They have smaller horns that come out from the top of their head but curve downwards. These large goats are bred for meat. They have at least one thing in common with humans: the average size of their babies at birth is eight pounds, similar to human babies.

The World’s Largest Goat Ever: Mostyn Moorcock

The Guinness World Record for Largest Goat goes to a goat named Mostyn Moorcock that was owned by Pat Robinson of Hereford & Worcester, UK. It was not a Boer goat but a British Saanen and was 44 inches tall at the shoulder and 66 inches long. He only lived to be 4 years old, with the normal life span being closer to 15 years, but he reached an astonishing 400 pounds. This was in 1977, and he still holds the world record today.