When English goats were crossed with goats from Egypt and India, the resulting animal had distinctive Roman noses and long pendulous ears that were to become the characteristic trade mark of Nubian goats.

Nubian goats must have ears at least as long as their nose.

Medium to large animals, Nubians are alert, sound, and well balanced with a high proud head carriage. The coat can be of any colour or combination of colours.

Although recognised overseas countries as a dual purpose animal - dairy and meat -  it is more commonly bred for dairy type in New Zealand.  While they produce less milk than the more obvious dairy goats, the milk is considered to be of better quality.   

Margaret from Greendale Nubians was happy to chat with Rural Living about her favourite goats.

“They’re just loveable – especially when they are hand reared.”  And all of Margaret’s goats are hand reared on their mother’s milk.

“They go back out into the herd at around two weeks and their mothers act like their Nannies.”

The  Anglo-Nubians trademark ears need to be at least as long as their nose to be considered for the New Zealand herd books but because of their larger frame they can carry a bit more weight than most other breeds.

The does are very gentle, according to Margaret and although the bucks can be a bit stroppy during rutting, on the whole she has not found them a problem either.

Like Val, Margaret advises new breeders to think about what they want to do with their goats and then approach a reputable breeder.

“You must be careful to get clean goats.”

She also warns that Nubians, being considered a rare breed, can be a bit more expensive.  But she is adamant they are worth it.

“Each of them has their own little idiosyncracies.  They just see you and it’s like the charge of the light brigade – this coat of many colours comes flying toward you.”