If you’re looking for a unique addition to your herd, long-eared goat breeds might be just the thing.
With their distinctive appearance and impressive temperament, these breeds are sure to catch your eye.
However, you may find that you have some trouble choosing a breed.
There are several types of long-eared goat breeds out there, each with its own benefits and purposes.
Take a look at this list of long-eared goat breeds to help guide you on your journey.
Plus, we included some tips for keeping them healthy!
Top 18 Long-Eared Goat Breeds
If you have ever wondered which goat breed has long, wide, and pendulous ears, you have come to the right place.
Ears may not seem like a significant aspect of a goat, but they tell you a lot about its breed.
Here are some popular goats with long, dangly ears that will surely make you stop and pay attention!
1. Nubian Goats
The first on our list is the Nubian goat breed, which is primarily known for its long and droopy ears.
These goats have a distinctive round ear shape that is wide, long and has a significant amount of fur.
Nubian goats are perfect for dairy farming, and their high butterfat content makes them a perfect choice for cheese making.
Nubian goats are friendly, outgoing, and curious animals, making them an excellent choice for a pet.
2. Boer Goats
Another breed of goat that has long and pendulous ears is the Boer goat.
Though not as long as the Nubian goats’ ears, their ears are still wide and hang low.
The Boer breed of goat is famous for meat production, and their lean meat is a favorite in many parts of the world.
Boer goats are also friendly and curious, which makes them great companions.
3. Hejazi Goats
Hejazi goats are an ancient breed with long, wide, and pendulous ears that complement their majestic looks.
These goats are known for their huge milk production compared to their body size, and their meat is also delicious.
Hejazi goats have a very calm temper and can adapt to any climate, making them easy to rear.
4. Kalahari Red Goats
The Kalahari Red goat is another breed to have unique long and droopy ears.
These goats have an attractive red coat color and are resistant to many diseases.
Kalahari Red goats produce high-quality meat that is tender and juicy, making them the perfect choice for meat lovers.
Though they are not as friendly as some of the other goat breeds, their distinctive appearance can make them a unique addition to a herd.
5. Anglo-Nubian Goats
Anglo-Nubian goats have long, wide, and droopy ear that makes them easily recognizable.
These goats are the result of crossbreeding Nubian and African goats, and they produce a good amount of milk and have high meat quality.
Anglo-Nubian goats are friendly and curious, making them excellent pets that can adapt to any environment.
6. Rove Goats
The Rove goat is a breed of goat that has its origins in France. Their long ears are droopy and hang down the sides of their faces.
They are a medium-sized breed of goat, generally weighing between 50 and 70 kg.
Rove goats are primarily raised for their milk, which is high in solids, making it ideal for cheese production.
In addition, this breed is known for its hardiness and can adapt to different environmental conditions.
7. Angora Goats
The Angora goat breed is known for its luxurious wool used to make mohair.
They are a large breed of goat, and their long ears hang down their necks, giving them a distinguished appearance.
They are the only breed of goat specifically bred for their wool, and they require special care to maintain it properly.
Angora goats have a gentle disposition and are primarily raised for their wool, although some people also raise them for their meat.
8. Beetal Goats
The Beetal goat is a breed that originated in India and Pakistan. They are mainly raised for their meat, which is lean and flavorful.
This breed is typically large, with bucks weighing up to 160 kg, and does weighing up to 100 kg.
Their long ears hang down gracefully in a V-shape on either side of their heads.
In addition to their beautiful appearance, Beetal goats are highly valued for their dairy production, which is comparable to that of cows.
9. Nigora Goats
This breed is a combination of Nigerian Dwarf and Angora goats, resulting in a goat with medium to long hair and long ears that droop down sideways.
Nigora goats aren’t just prized for their long ears, though.
They’re also known for their friendly personalities and excellent milk and fiber production.
10. Sirohi Goats
Originating from India, Sirohi goats are another breed with extra-long ears.
These goats have long, curved ears that hang down to their shoulders or even lower.
Sirohi goats come in various colors, including brown, black, and white, and they’re often raised for meat production.
11. Pygora Goats
Pygora goats are another crossbred breed, this time with genetics from pygmy and Angora goats.
Their long, curly ears add to their adorable appearance, and they’re also known for their soft fiber, that’s often used for yarn and clothing.
Pygora goats can be black, brown, white, or a combination of those colors.
12. Savanna Goats
If you’re looking for a sturdier breed with long ears, the Savanna goats are a great option.
These goats were developed in South Africa and are known for their hardiness and resistance to diseases.
They also have long, floppy ears that frame their faces and add to their striking appearance.
13. Black Bengal Goats
The Black Bengal goat is a breed from Bangladesh that’s often raised for meat and milk.
These goats have long, narrow ears that hang down to their necks, giving them a distinctive look.
Black Bengal goats are generally black but can also be brown, white, or a mix of those colors.
14. Nachi Goats
Nachi goats are native to Pakistan and are known for their large and droopy ears.
They are a meat breed and are primarily raised in the Punjab region.
Their ears are wide and hang low, which gives them a distinct appearance.
The Nachi goat is a popular breed and is known for its ability to adapt to different climatic conditions.
15. Damascus Goats
Damascus goats are a breed that originated in Syria and are now found in different parts of the world.
They are known for their long, droopy ears and are raised for their meat and milk.
Damascus goats have a calm and docile nature and are easy to handle. Their ears are broad and hang down to their shoulders.
16. Gulabi Goats
Gulabi goats are a breed from Central Asia and are known for their distinctive rose-colored ears.
They are raised for their meat and milk and are also used in cultural events and ceremonies.
The Gulabi goat’s ears are long, wide, and pendulous, and they are a unique feature of this breed.
They are popular in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India.
17. Payoya Goats
Payoya goats are a Spanish breed and are known for their hardiness and adaptability to harsh environments.
They are primarily raised for their milk and are famous for their delicate and flavorful cheese.
Payoya goats have long and wide ears that dangle down to their shoulders, which distinguishes them from other breeds.
They are an important breed in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.
18. Bhuj Goats
Bhuj goats are a breed that originated in India and are primarily raised for their meat.
They have long and droopy ears that hang low and are a distinguishing feature.
Bhuj goats are adapted to the hot and dry climates of India and are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in difficult conditions.
What Causes Floppy Ears in Goats?
As you may know, goats are fascinating creatures that come in a range of breeds with varying physical characteristics.
One of these characteristics is ear shape.
While some goats have erect ears, others have floppy ears that hang down on either side of their head.
If you are a goat owner or simply curious about these animals, you may have wondered what causes floppy ears in goats.
1. Genetics
One factor that determines ear shape in goats is genetics. Just like humans, goats inherit certain traits from their parents.
Some breeds of goats, like the LaMancha, are known for having naturally floppy ears.
Other breeds, like the Nubian, typically have longer, more erect ears.
If you are breeding goats, you may be able to predict the ear shape of offspring based on the parents’ ear shape.
However, keep in mind that not all offspring will have the same ear shape as their parents due to dominant versus recessive genes.
2. Temperature
Another reason that goats may have floppy ears is the temperature.
In hot weather, goats may become overheated, and their ears may droop down to help release excess heat.
Floppy ears can allow more blood flow to the skin around the ears, allowing the goat to cool down faster.
Conversely, in cold weather, goats may have more erect ears to retain heat.
If you notice your goat’s ears are floppy (and this isn’t a natural position for them) and it is warm outside, make sure they have access to shade and plenty of water to stay cool.
3. Nutrition
A third reason that goats may have floppy ears is nutrition. Like all animals, goats need a balanced diet with the right nutrients to thrive.
If they are malnourished or have an imbalanced diet, their ears may droop due to a lack of muscle tone.
Again, this isn’t anything to be concerned about unless you’re noticing floppy ears for the first time in a goat that doesn’t normally have them.
Goats that are overweight or obese may have floppy ears due to excess fat, causing the ears to weigh more.
Make sure your goats have access to high-quality hay, fresh water, and a balanced feed that meets their nutritional needs.
4. Health Issues
Finally, health issues can cause floppy ears in goats.
For example, ear infections or infestations can make the ears droop or hang to one side.
In this case, you may notice discharge or a foul odor coming from the ear.
Goats with neurological issues may have floppy ears due to nerve damage or muscle weakness.
If you notice your goat’s ears are unusually floppy or experiencing other health concerns, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
How to Care for Goats With Floppy Ears
Goats with floppy ears are a sight to behold. These adorable creatures make great companions for farmers and homesteaders alike.
However, taking care of them requires a certain level of expertise.
Here are some tips if you’re new to goat-keeping or have recently acquired a goat with floppy ears.
1. Keep Their Ears Clean and Dry
Goats with floppy ears are prone to ear infections and other ear-related health issues.
To keep their ears clean, make sure that they’re dry at all times.
After bath time or heavy rain, use a clean towel to dry your goat’s ears.
Check for any wax buildup, dirt, or debris, and wipe it off with a cotton ball or soft cloth.
You may also want to consider trimming the hair inside their ears to prevent a buildup of moisture.
2. Watch Out for Parasites
Parasites such as mites and flies can also cause ear infections in goats with floppy ears. Inspect their ears regularly for any signs of infestation.
If you find any, talk to your veterinarian about treatment options.
You may also want to apply to fly repellent spray or use ear tags to keep these pests at bay.
3. Provide a Proper Diet
Goats with floppy ears are no different from other goats when it comes to their diet.
They require a well-balanced diet that includes hay, fresh water, and occasional treats.
Their diet should also be rich in minerals and vitamins.
Consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations based on your goat’s age, size, and breed.
4. Give Them Plenty of Space and Exercise
Goats with floppy ears are active animals that enjoy running and climbing.
Make sure they have plenty of space to play and exercise.
If you keep them in a fenced area, ensure the space is large enough for them to roam freely.
Regular exercise and playtime also help their mental and physical health, which translates to a happier, healthier goat.
Long-Eared Goat Breeds: Final Thoughts
With proper care and maintenance, these long-eared goat breeds can thrive and provide excellent milk production and companionship for years to come.
Whether you’re looking for a new addition to your herd or simply enjoy the unique appearance of long-eared goats, these breeds are worth considering.