Why I Raise Oberhasli, Guernsey, Sable, and Nubian Dairy Goats: The Benefits of Each Breed on a Small Family Farm

One of the questions I get asked most at the farmers market or in our farm store is:

“What kind of goats do you raise?"

And when I answer with my list of four different goat breeds, they ask, "Why do you have four different breeds of dairy goats?”

The short answer? I like variety, they are beautiful out in the pasture and I love watching the herd from my kitchen window. But the longer answer is a bit more fun.

When I first started raising dairy goats almost seventeen years ago, I had two goats. Just two. Two gorgeous Oberhasli does. As the years went on and my herd grew, I added Guernseys, a rarer breed, with long shaggy golden coats.

Time continued marching on and the herd grew as well.

And like many others, I tried Nigerian Dwarfs. They are incredibly popular and I was intrigued by a higher butterfat content. Nigerian Dwarf goats are known to be cute, compact, and have a reputation for rich milk. But after a season or two, I realized they just weren’t the right fit for me. I didn’t click with their personalities—they were a little too spunky (and stubborn) for my taste. I wanted a full-size goat with the same rich, high-butterfat milk… but with a more grounded temperament.

That’s when I fell in love with Nubians.

Today, I have a small but growing Nubian herd within our herd: our beautiful doe Sweet Dream, two sweet little doelings, Tassel and Molly, and a promising buckling named Thebe. Their long ears, soulful eyes, and extra-creamy milk won me over completely. Are they a bit dramatic? Absolutely. But they make up for it with their milk and their charm.

Of course, Nubians aren’t the only stars on the farm. Our herd includes four full-size dairy breeds, each bringing their own unique gifts to the barn—and to your milk, cheese, yogurt, and soap.

🐐 Oberhasli – The Calm Classic

Oberhaslis are the quiet backbone of our dairy herd. With their rich reddish-bay coats and gentle temperaments, they’re as steady as they come. My girls produce a lovely, well-balanced milk that’s sweet and easy to digest. If I had to choose a breed for beginners or for peaceful, reliable milkers—it would be the Oberhasli.

🌼 Golden Guernseys – The Rare Treasure

Golden Guernseys are still relatively rare in the U.S., and I’m proud to have them here. They’re golden-coated, mild-mannered, and produce milk with a natural golden hue thanks to its high beta-carotene content. It’s also delicious—rich in butterfat and ideal for making soft cheeses or handcrafted caramel sauce. They tend to be a bit more shy than my Oberhasli girls but once they make friends with you, they are devoted for life!

☁️ Sables – The Productive Playfuls

If Oberhaslis are calm and grounded, and Nubians are dramatic and sweet, then Sables are somewhere in the middle—full of curiosity, energy, and color. Sables are essentially colored Saanens, which means they’re milk machines, but with a splash of personality and color. I absolutely love the different colors and patterns they can have! I have some with striped faces, others with spots on their backs and others nearly a solid black. Their playful nature keeps me on my toes, but their generous milk supply makes it worth it.

🎭 Nubians – The Creamy Comedians

And then there are the Nubians—my almost loudest (I say that because my first Guernsey, Adora, was louder than any of my Nubians thus far), most lovable milkmaids. They bleat like they’re narrating every moment of the day, but that personality comes with incredible milk. Their butterfat levels can reach 5% or more, making them ideal for cheese, kefir, goat milk soap, and anything where creaminess matters. Sweet Dream, Tassel, Molly, and Thebe are quickly becoming customer favorites (and mine too).

Why Variety Works for Us

Having four breeds may sound complicated, but it gives me flexibility—and a fuller, more beautiful barn. Different breeds shine in different ways. Some are more productive, others more personable. Some give milk that’s best for drinking, others for artisan soaps or small-batch cheese. And as someone who spends a lot of time in the barn, I appreciate the variety in personalities too.

It also lets me offer more to my customers. Whether you’re looking for rich milk for your family, handcrafted cheese, or skin-soothing soap, the goats at Meadowlark Heritage Farm are here to provide—with heart, health, and just a little bit of sass.