Anglo-Nubian Goat
Capra hircus
Also called Nubian
From United Kingdom, developed in the 19th century by crossing native British goats with large, lop-eared goats from India, the Middle East and North Africa.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Maximum weights; minimum weights are about 79 kg for bucks and 64 kg for does.
Looks how to spot one
short, smooth coat in females; longer, harsher coat in males
Females have a glossy, short coat while males carry a rougher, longer one. The breed is tall and proud with a convex facial profile, long pendulous ears, and a high head carriage.13
Personality what they are like
Anglo-Nubians are bright, friendly and tractable, making them wonderful for families and first-time keepers. They are known for their loud, vocal calls when they want attention, but are quiet when content. They can be a little stubborn and dislike rain.65
Daily activity how busy a day looks
They need space to roam and browse. A securely fenced paddock with shelter is essential. They enjoy climbing and exploring, so provide platforms or rocks.5
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Regular hoof trimming every 6-8 weeks, annual vaccinations and worming as advised by a vet. Their coats need little grooming, but check ears and eyes for cleanliness.5
Home where they are happiest
A dry, draught-free shelter with at least 30 square feet per goat. They need protection from wind, rain and extreme temperatures. Good ventilation is important. They do not cope well with humidity.56
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Quality hay, pasture access, and a balanced grain ration for milking does. Fresh water and mineral supplements are essential. They need good nutrition to support milk production and health.53
Company who they like around
Goats are herd animals and must never be kept alone. They need at least one companion goat. They are friendly with humans and can be kept as pets, but require secure fencing and proper care.5
The story where it all began
The Anglo-Nubian was created in Britain during the 1800s by crossing native British goats with imported lop-eared goats from Africa, India and the Middle East. The name 'Nubian' originally referred to any goat from those regions with a Roman nose and long ears. The breed was first called Anglo-Nubian in 1893 and officially recognised in 1910. It was later exported worldwide and is now found in over 60 countries, often simply called the Nubian.127
Recognised by the official bits
- British Goats Society
- The term Anglo-Nubian was first used in the herdbook in 1893; the breed was officially recognised in 1910.8
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Anglo-Nubian Goat. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Fresh food and waterHay or browse, fresh water alwaysevery day
- Shelter spot cleanevery day
- Company checkGoats need at least one goat friendevery day
- Mineral checkKeep loose minerals made for goats availableevery week
- Shelter full cleanevery 2 weeks
- Hoof trimAbout every 4 to 8 weeksevery 6 weeks
- Flea, tick and worm protectionAs your vet recommends, often after a faecal egg countas your vet recommends
- VaccinationsAs your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upFind a vet who sees goatsevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Anglo-Nubian Goat, and what should it eat?
Feed your Anglo-Nubian Goat quality hay and pasture daily, plus a balanced grain ration if she is milking. Always provide fresh water and mineral supplements. Furry Diary's starting plan is to give fresh food and water every day.53 Furry Diary plan
Which foods and plants are dangerous for an Anglo-Nubian Goat?
Avoid foods like chocolate, avocado, grapes, onions, garlic, and anything with xylitol, as they can be dangerous. For a full list of toxic plants in your area, ask your vet or a good breeder.9
How much space and land does an Anglo-Nubian Goat need?
They need a securely fenced paddock with room to roam and browse, plus a shelter with at least 30 square feet per goat. For specific land requirements, consult a local breeder.56
What kind of shelter does an Anglo-Nubian Goat need?
Provide a dry, draught-free shelter with at least 30 square feet per goat, good ventilation, and protection from wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. They dislike humidity, so keep it dry.56
How do I look after an Anglo-Nubian Goat's hooves or feet?
Trim their hooves every 6 to 8 weeks to keep them healthy. Furry Diary's plan suggests trimming every 42 days. Ask your vet or a farrier for the proper technique.5 Furry Diary plan
Does an Anglo-Nubian Goat need grooming or shearing?
Their coats need little grooming; just check ears and eyes regularly. They do not require shearing, but males with longer coats may benefit from occasional brushing.51
Can an Anglo-Nubian Goat live alone?
No, they must never live alone. Goats are herd animals and need at least one goat companion to be happy and healthy.5
How long does an Anglo-Nubian Goat live?
Anglo-Nubian goats typically live between 12 and 15 years with good care.3
Is an Anglo-Nubian Goat good with children?
Yes, they are bright, friendly, and tractable, making them wonderful for families and first-time keepers. They are generally good with children when properly socialized.65
What regular vet care does an Anglo-Nubian Goat need?
They need annual vaccinations and regular worming as your vet advises. Furry Diary's plan includes parasite prevention as recommended by your vet, plus hoof trimming every 6 weeks. Always consult your vet for a health schedule.5 Furry Diary plan
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- en.wikipedia.org: Anglo Nubian en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, coat or body, colours, history
- breeds.okstate.edu: anglo nubian goats breeds.okstate.eduused for origin, colours, best traits, history, fun fact
- anglonubian.co.uk: the breed anglonubian.co.ukused for weight kg, height cm, lifespan years, coat or body, diet basics
- dpi.nsw.gov.au: anglo nubian dpi.nsw.gov.auused for weight kg, height cm
- carefreegoats.com: anglo nubian carefreegoats.comused for best traits, temperament, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs
- goatjournal.iamcountryside.com: nubian goats the key breed facts goatjournal.iamcountryside.comused for best traits, temperament, habitat needs, fun fact
- anglo-nubian.org.uk: breedorigins anglo-nubian.org.ukused for history
- revista.ccba.uady.mx: 127 revista.ccba.uady.mx
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-02. Text is written in our own words from these sources.