Breed Standards
Bloodline Genetics:
Listed Bloodlines have undergone a thorough investigation and evaluation of herd history, phenotype, and DNA sampling.
Foundation bloodlines are the original herds that make up the foundation of the Spanish Goat Breed genetics as well as any discovered herds that have been in isolation and show a distinct phenotypical and genetic contribution to the breed.
Each breeder has provided a basic description of their bloodline’s most common characteristics. Many factors influence the genetic diversity and adaptability of the Spanish goat including management practices of the breeders, the climate of the regions the goats are raised in, and the variations that result from blending the bloodlines (some breeders choose to do this).
When you are looking to purchase a particular bloodline make sure that the breeder is in fact breeding that particular line true; ask specific questions of breeders if you want specific goats and/or results. For example, if the Dam is Baylis and the Sire is Baylis then the offspring is Baylis. If the Dam is Baylis and the Sire is Low Country then the offspring is Low Country/Baylis. If a Low Country/Baylis Dam is bred to a Low Country Sire the offspring is Low Country/ Fullblood Spanish Goat — it is not 3/4 Low Country. We do not practice any sort of Bloodline breed up. The Bloodlines are listed as a named bloodline, 50% of a named bloodline, or as Fullblood Spanish Goat. We do not track percentages for any sort of Bloodline breed up tracking.
The Fullblood Spanish Goat bloodline designation is used to identify a goat as Fullblood Spanish without the need for verification of the actual bloodlines that created the goat. Oftentimes breeders run multiple bloodlines in their herds and this makes identification simple. There are two basic criteria for the Fullblood Spanish Goat designation: 1) The actual bloodline(s) of the goat are not known, and/or 2) The bloodlines are known but more than two have been used and therefore the goat is designated as Fullblood Spanish Goat.
Overall Breed Standard:
As as a result of the adaptability of the Fullblood Spanish breed and the differences among the bloodlines, it is not feasible to establish a prescriptive breed standard. At the advice of our Technical Advisors, Spanish Goats, LLC relies upon a descriptive approach provided by the individual bloodline producers when defining the Spanish goat breed.
However, we do find fault with the following as it relates to SGR DNA Registration even though these factors may not hinder
Commercial Production:
More than two teats and teat tags, a split scrotum of more than 1 inch, over/under bites, roll over hooves, and too much cow-hock in the hind end (however, the cow-hock is what facilitates the speed and the ability to climb trees in the Spanish Goat Breed), Roman nose, dropping large wide ears, horns that do not curl and/or twist.
Bloodline Descriptions:
We rely upon the breeders to provide the bloodline descriptions. We ask them to include the following descriptors:
size and set of ears, horns, facial profile, weight, height, color, and degree of cashmere development in the winter. Important traits also include adaptability, range utility, fertility, longevity, and temperament; although these are more difficult to measure and describe.
Breed Identifiers and Descriptors:
The Spanish goat is a local landrace breed and has variations between sources/ranches/bloodlines. The following information is a very basic set of criteria we evaluate when verifying as Fullblood Spanish and making the determination to SGR DNA Register.
Spanish goats have straight to slightly convex facial profiles. The ears are medium sized and are usually carried horizontally forward along-side the head. This in contrast to crosses with swiss dairy goats in which the ears are smaller or with Boer and Nubian in which the ears are usually larger. Horns are usually large and long and in bucks the horns usually twist. Horns lacking twist can reveal swiss dairy breeding, smaller horns can reveal Boer, Nubian or Angora influences. Colors vary widely, and no specific color indicates cross breeding. Hair coats are usually short, but many grow profuse cashmere in the winter. Mature size varies widely depending on bloodline, as well as management and region. Low to moderate input management system females are generally from 70 up to 125 pounds and bucks are from 90 to 175 pounds. However, under different management systems mature size and weight will vary between 100 to 150 pounds for females and 200 to 350 pounds for males.
Evidence of Cross-Breeding:
It is difficult to tell from photographs the origins of a goat’s genetics. Oftentimes the physical evidence of crossing does not show up until later generations. The width, length and bend of the ear can be signs of cross-breeding as well as thickness, twist and curl of the horns, and profile of the nose. Spanish goats have a distinct gate and body posture. Photographs and videos can support the Verification process but SGLLC is committed to legitimate tracking of breeder to seller in order to ensure the purity of the goat’s genetics. We acknowledge a few goats that are Fullblood Spanish may get by, but we are more sure that we will keep ongoing cross-breeding out of the gene pool. The commitment of all Fullblood Spanish goat breeders to stick with known origins and cull any signs of cross-breeding will ensure the genetic diversity and longevity of the Fullblood Spanish Goat Breed.