Education
Goat Breeds at Wild Haven Farm
Wild Haven Farm raises Fainting Goats (Myotonic goats), San Clemente Island goats, and hybrids of these two heritage breeds. This page covers everything you need to know about our breeds.
Fainting Goat (Myotonic)
Fainting Goats, also known as Myotonic goats, are a heritage breed famous for a harmless genetic condition called myotonia congenita. When startled, their muscles briefly stiffen, which can cause younger goats to tip over — they are not actually fainting or in any pain. These friendly, sturdy goats have been raised in the United States since the 1880s and are valued for their calm disposition, easy-going nature, and manageable size. They make wonderful companions and are a great choice for first-time goat owners.
Characteristics
Myotonia congenita — muscles stiffen briefly when startled (harmless and painless)
Stiffness is graded on a 1–6 scale: 1 = minimal stiffness with no locking, 6 = full body stiffness causing the goat to fall over
Medium-sized breed, typically 60–175 lbs depending on strain
Wide variety of coat colors and patterns
Prominent, slightly bulging eyes
Strong, stocky build with good muscle definition
Hardy and adaptable to various climates
Temperament
Calm, friendly, and docile. Fainting Goats are known for their gentle personalities and tend to be less flighty than other breeds, making them easy to handle and a favorite among families and hobby farmers.
Conservation Status
The Livestock Conservancy lists Fainting Goats as Recovering. View the Fainting Goat on the Livestock Conservancy website
Breed Registry: MGR — Myotonic Goat Registry
Miniature Silky Fainting Goat
Miniature Silky Fainting Goats (often called MSFs) are a specialty sub-type of the Fainting Goat bred for their smaller size and luxuriously silky coats. They carry the same myotonia congenita trait as standard Fainting Goats but in a compact, long-haired package. Their flowing coats and petite stature make them popular as companion animals and show goats. MSFs combine the gentle temperament of the Fainting Goat with a striking, eye-catching appearance.
Characteristics
Small size — typically under 25 inches tall at the withers
Long, flowing silky coat that requires regular grooming
Myotonia congenita trait inherited from Fainting Goat lineage
Compact, well-proportioned body
Comes in a wide range of colors and patterns
Gentle and easy to manage due to small size
Temperament
Sweet, affectionate, and social. Miniature Silky Fainters love attention and bond closely with their owners. Their small size and calm nature make them especially well-suited for families with children.
Conservation Status
Miniature Silky Fainters are a specialty sub-type and are Not listed by the Livestock Conservancy.
Breed Registry: MSFGA — Miniature Silky Fainting Goat Association
San Clemente Island Goat
San Clemente Island Goats are a critically endangered heritage breed that descended from Spanish goats left on San Clemente Island off the coast of Southern California. After living feral on the island for over a century, they developed into a distinct, hardy breed uniquely adapted to harsh conditions. In the 1970s and 1980s, the breed was nearly wiped out during a population control program, and dedicated breeders rescued the remaining animals. Today, fewer than a few thousand exist worldwide, making every San Clemente Island Goat important to the survival of the breed.
Characteristics
Small to medium-sized, typically 40–100 lbs
Fine-boned and deer-like in appearance
Most commonly reddish-brown, tan, or black, often with distinct facial markings
Hardy and thrifty — thrives on minimal forage
Naturally resistant to many common goat parasites
Critically endangered with very small global population
Temperament
Alert, curious, and independent. San Clemente Island Goats can be more reserved than domesticated breeds at first but become trusting and personable with patient, gentle handling. They are intelligent and observant.
Conservation Status
San Clemente Island Goats are listed as Critical by the Livestock Conservancy, making them one of the most endangered goat breeds in the world. View the San Clemente Island Goat on the Livestock Conservancy website
Breed Registry: SCIGA — San Clemente Island Goat Association
Hybrids
Some of our goats are hybrids — crosses between Fainting Goats and San Clemente Island Goats. These hybrid offspring inherit traits from both parent breeds, resulting in unique and interesting combinations.
From their Fainting Goat parent, hybrids may inherit the myotonia congenita trait, a calm and friendly temperament, and a sturdy, muscular build. From their San Clemente Island parent, hybrids may inherit a fine-boned, deer-like frame, natural parasite resistance, hardiness on minimal forage, and an alert, curious personality.
Each hybrid is unique — the specific traits they express depend on which characteristics they inherit from each parent. Hybrids tend to be hardy, personable goats that combine the best qualities of both heritage breeds.
Learn More
For more detailed information about the breeds at Wild Haven Farm, visit these trusted resources:
- Myotonic Goat Registry (MGR) The official breed registry for Fainting (Myotonic) goats — breed standards, registration, and breeder resources.
- Miniature Silky Fainting Goat Association (MSFGA) The breed registry for Miniature Silky Fainting Goats — breed standards, show information, and breeder directory.
- San Clemente Island Goat Association (SCIGA) The breed registry for San Clemente Island Goats — conservation efforts, breed history, and registration.
- The Livestock Conservancy Learn about heritage breeds and the work being done to protect them for future generations.