Pet and companion goat breeds
Compare breeds recorded with companionship as a primary or secondary purpose. Select a column heading to sort the table, then open a breed page for its sources and context.
| Breed | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Median of the 2 breeds listed here. | – | ||
| Fainting Goat (Myotonic)also kept for pet and companion goats | Standard | 50–150 lb | Docile |
| Pygoraalso kept for pet and companion goats | Miniature | 75–120 lb | Docile |
Choose the individual as well as the breed
A wether is a castrated male. The British Goat Society identifies Pygmy wethers as an option for pet keepers, while noting that dairy-breed wethers can grow large and be boisterous.1
Our assessment: ask about adult size and handling history and meet the animals before choosing. This table lists breeds recorded with companionship as a primary or secondary purpose; it is not a ranking of friendliness or a complete list of goats that could be kept as companions.
What can the comparison tell you?
Size and sourced temperament descriptions can help frame questions for the keeper. They cannot guarantee how an individual goat will behave with you. Where a cell is empty, we do not have a published figure to show; do not read it as quietness, low maintenance or a shorter commitment.
Pet use does not remove production-related care. The British Goat Society highlights the extra fleece work involved when fiber goats are kept as pets.1
Plan company and continuing care
The British Goat Society advises keeping goats with goat companions and treating ownership as a commitment throughout the animal’s life.1
Plan the group together with weatherproof shelter and someone to cover daily care when you are away. Use the shared guides below for the practical setup, then assess the animals against that plan.
Sources (1)
- Goats as Pets, British Goat Society · breed registry / association, retrieved 2026-09-13