What to Look for in 4H Goats

The words head, heart, health and hands are part of the pledge for the youth leadership organization called 4H, which exists in the United States and the Caribbean. Children ages 5 to 19 participate in various projects including raising and showing goats. Knowing what to look for when choosing an animal to buy is helpful to ensure a successful project.

  1. General Signs of Health

    • The signs of health in any goat are bright eyes, shiny fur and alertness. Goats are naturally curious and interactive. Also look for a strong, straight back that is not sway or dipped, a wide, deep chest and straight legs with hooves that are even with the ground and not overgrown. If you are looking at a young goat, ask to see the parents and look for the same signs of health in them.

    Breeding Background

    • Goats for show competitions must be registered. This means that an organization specific to the breed of the goat has official papers including production and show records as well as a known pedigree that lists the names of parents and grandparents of your goat. These should be available when you purchase the animal. You will apply for your own papers as the new owner for a small fee. Never buy an animal from an auction or livestock sale, because these records are usually not available and the animals are most likely being culled from a herd for undesirable features.

    Types of Goats for Show

    • Have an idea of what kind of goat would best suit your purpose. Not all breeds are shown in every region, so make sure there are shows available for the breed you are interested in. If you have limited space to keep a goat you may want one of the smaller breeds such as a pygmy or Nigerian dwarf. If you can devote year-round care, consider a milk goat, but if you only want to show for a season, then a meat goat that will go to auction may be a better choice.

    Breed Characteristics

    • Another consideration when choosing a goat is breed characteristics. Do some research about the personalities certain breeds can have. For instance, Nubians are particularly excitable and loud but give the richest milk. Alpine goats are expert climbers and are more difficult to keep fenced in. Pygmies are particularly stubborn but the most friendly. When showing, the judge is usually aware of these challenges and the same breeds show together. But it is good to be knowledgeable so you know what you need to best keep that breed of goat.