Miniature LaMancha Goat

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Other common names: Mini LaMancha; MiniMancha

The basics:
The LaMancha Goat was developed in Oregon by crossing Swiss and Nubian bucks with Californian short-eared goats from a Spanish lineage. The Miniature LaMancha was created by combining a Nigerian Dwarf Goat and a LaMancha. The Mini LaMancha is still an experimental breed but is registered with the International Dairy Goat Registry (IDGR) and the Miniature Dairy Goat Association (MDGA). Miniature breeds like the Miniature LaMancha are not yet accepted by the American Dairy Goat Association.

Appearance / health:
The Miniature LaMancha Goat is a miniature milking goat with short, fine, and glossy hair. The head is wide, long, and tapering, with a straight nose. The legs are straight, strong, and wide-set. The male has a full beard. The LaMancha comes in different colors.

What distinguish LaMancha Goats from other goats are its two types of earflaps: the elf ear, which is 2 inches in length, and the gopher ear, which is 1 inch in length with very little cartilage. According to the breed standard for Miniature LaManchas as defined by The Miniature Goat Registry, "They have a straight face and any color and combinations are allowed with frosted ears and nose permitted. Their distinctive ears are described as follows: Gopher ears have a maximum length of one inch with little or no cartilage. Elf ears have a maximum length of two inches with cartilage allowed. Bucks must have gopher ears to be entered into the purebred registry. Blue eyes are allowed."

Goats are sensitive animals that can suffer from various infectious and chronic diseases that are sometimes undetected until too late. Vaccinations, as well as de-worming and de-lousing applications must be conducted as needed. Milking goats should be checked regularly using prescribed mastitis tests for udder health. Milking areas should always be clean and the goat’s teats treated with teat dip after milking to prevent mastitis.

Goats must be inspected frequently to detect any signs of poor health, infections, or other ailments. Signs include cloudy or teary eyes, dull or fluffed up coat, droopy tail, hunched back, or poor appetite. A veterinarian should always be on call to address health concerns.

Behavior / temperament:
Goats are inherently curious, active, intelligent, and social. They are known to have the ability to overcome enclosures by unraveling the gate, climbing over the mesh, or pushing and ramming the fence down. Goats have good coordination and balance and can manage to climb low trees, ledges, and overhangs. Their curiosity leads them to constantly investigate items with their mouths; most items get chewed and swallowed. With a little patience, goats can be taught to carry or pull loads, respond to calls, and lead a herd. As social animals, they easily get along with other farm animals.

The LaMancha is established in the milk production with high butterfat category, and known to be calm and gentle, resilient and productive, and having an excellent dairy temperament.

Housing / diet:
As herd animals, goats are best kept in pairs or groups. As grazers, they require an outdoor habitat that is securely fenced to prevent escape or foraging in restricted areas. The area should be large enough to allow the goat to roam. The recommended habitat per goat is 200 sq. ft. of yard or pasture plus a sheltered or indoor area of about 15 sq. ft. The sheltered area should be adequately built to keep the goats safe from rain and strong winds.

Keeping goats inside the house is not recommended because of the pet’s tendency to gnaw and chew on furniture and furnishings. Goats are also not known to adhere to toilet training.

The ideal food for domesticated goats is alfalfa hay and grass hay. This should be available daily in quantities of at least 3% of the goat’s body weight. Small quantities of feed grain and concentrates (often protein-enriched) like goat show or goat grain can also be given to add nutrition. Supplements are often used to address deficiencies inherent to local habitats.

Clean water is essential to a goat’s daily diet. It should always be available and provided where it cannot be soiled. Dirty and moldy water is hazardous to the goat’s health. Milking goats should be kept away from aromatic or strong-tasting foliage like garlic, onions, mint, and cabbage, which could taint the flavor of the milk.


super sweetheart, best tasting milk, great starter animals, family homestead, charming personalities




long steady lactations, darling little beard, light creme color, delicious high butterfat

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