Nubian Goats: The Gentle Giants of the Homestead

If you’ve ever dreamed of adding goats to your homestead, chances are you’ve come across the beautiful and beloved Nubian goat.

With their long, floppy ears, roman noses, and friendly personalities, Nubians are not just practical homestead animals—they’re downright charming companions.

A Little History Nubian goats originally came from Africa and the Middle East. They were later crossbred in England with British dairy goats, which is why they’re often called Anglo-Nubians. This mix created a hardy breed known for adapting well to hot climates while still being productive in cooler regions.

What Makes Nubians Special?  • Milk Production: Nubians are dairy goats, and their milk is prized for its high butterfat content (usually 4–5%). That means their milk is creamier than many other breeds, perfect for making cheese, yogurt, and even homemade soaps.

• Personality: I love my Nubians. Yes, they can be affectionate and friendly, but just like people, they all have different personalities. 

I know many like to only dam raise, I like to hybrid meaning that once a day I offer a bottle to them so that way they become even more friendlier and learn to trust me sooner.

• Appearance: Their long, pendulous ears and roman noses make them stand out. They also come in a variety of colors and patterns, from solid shades to spotted coats.

• Size: Nubians are considered a large breed of goat. Mature does weigh around 135–175 pounds, while bucks can tip the scales at 175–250 pounds.

• Milk Quality – If you love rich milk for cheese-making, Nubians are ideal.

Friendly Temperament – They tend to bond closely with their humans, making chores more enjoyable.

• Heat Tolerance Their heritage makes them well-suited for warmer climates.

• Versatility – Some homesteaders even raise them for meat, though most keep them for dairy.

Things to Keep in Mind Nubians can be a bit loud, which is something to consider if you have close neighbors.

• Because they’re larger goats, they may need sturdier fencing.

• They’re social animals, so they’ll be happiest when kept with other goats. ( Remember, one goat is a sad goat )

Final Thoughts Nubian goats are a wonderful addition to many homesteads. They offer rich, creamy milk, sweet personalities, and endless entertainment with their playful nature.

Whether you’re looking to expand your dairy production or just want a friendly goat to brighten your days, Nubians are a breed worth considering.

Here is a photo of our sweet girl Ozzy.