Goats are far more than just farm animals with a penchant for eating laundry. They are highly intelligent, surprisingly agile, and possess some of the weirdest biological quirks in the animal kingdom.
No, fainting goats do not actually faint.
It’s a genetic condition known as myotonia congenita, which causes their muscles to freeze up when they are startled. This condition is what causes them to fall over or “faint.” It only lasts a few seconds, and the goat is fully conscious the entire time. One should never purposely frighten a goat. #BeKind
Goats use a form of communication called “bleating.”
Very much like dogs, goats will approach and “communicate” with people using bleats, nudges, leans, and stares. If a goat stares intently at you, it may be frustrated and asking for help! Goats can also change their voices! If a goat moves to a new herd, its “voice” will eventually change to match the “accent” of its new mates.
No! Goats dislike water so much so that they will purposely avoid it at all costs.
If even a raindrop hits their fur, they run for shelter. Goats are naturally very clean animals and will groom themselves by self-grooming (like a cat), wall rubbing, scratching, and even taking a dust bath. So, the next time you see a goat rolling in the dirt, it may just be having a spa day! There are some occasions in which a human must bathe their goat (be prepared for a temper tantrum!), but for the most part, goats “bathe” themselves.
Goats are extremely social animals and will become depressed if separated from their companion.
If another goat isn’t around for them to hang out with, a pony or donkey will sometimes become their bestie. If you’re considering getting a goat as a pet, it’s best to get two! Don’t have a donkey or pony? Dogs and goats are SO much alike that as long as your pup is good with other animals, they may just become BFFs!
Sneeze alarm! Goats use sneezes as alarms to warn each other of impending danger.
It’s typically a sharp, sudden, nasal “snort” or sneeze that means, “Hey! Something suspicious is happening!” A warning sneeze from one goat will stop the entire herd in its tracks to look for impending danger. It is to be noted that sometimes the impending danger is just a plastic bag or completely imaginary, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Goats are browsers, not grazers.
They prefer leaves, shrubs, vines, and weeds — often at eye level — and will even stand on their hind legs to reach higher treats. While grazers mow the lawn, browsers trim the hedges… and goats? Definitely hedge trimmers.
10! You think Malinois are agile? You haven’t met GOAT!
Goats are smart, athletic climbers, so secure enclosures and vertical enrichment are a must. Use climbing items, jump points, and a no-climb fence at least 4 feet high. If a goat can fit through it or jump it, it will — basically a giant curious toddler.
Whether or not goats make good pets depends on the person.
Lifestyle, space, and patience are key factors to owning goats. They’re “perpetual toddlers” – highly affectionate, funny, but also destructive and demanding. Thinking of getting a goat or three? Babyproofing is a must! Goats are super smart and natural problem solvers, so if there’s a latch, a gate, or a door involved, your goat WILL figure it out! Goats have been known to learn new tasks by observation (don’t let them see where you keep the treats!), and will solve puzzles and remember solutions to problems for months on end.
Turns out, good vibes aren’t just for humans – goats notice them too!
Scientists found that goats prefer smiling faces over angry ones, even booping the happy photo with their snouts. Goats are furry empaths — they read human emotions through body language, tone, and expressions, especially from their favorite people.
That’s a common myth! Goats are actually “browsers” and quite picky.
While they might test a remote with their snout to see if it’s interesting, they much prefer local Oklahoma brush and hay. We do, however, keep the remotes out of reach just in case! Careful – goats are super clean and very picky eaters – they typically will not eat hay that is trampled or has been walked on, or anything that just doesn’t taste yummy to them.
A goat’s eyes may look weird to humans
A goat’s rectangular pupils give them an amazing 320–340° view — they can see almost everything around them without moving their heads. If a goat lowers its head and stares at you, don’t worry — it’s just checking if you brought snacks!
Love your morning brew? Thank the goats!
Legend has it that in Ethiopia, a herder noticed his goats had lots of energy and stayed up all night after eating berries from a certain tree. Afterwards, drinks began to be made with the same berries, and the rest is history!
Goats are born with a set of bottom teeth
but because of their diet, goats do not have a “set” of top teeth. Instead, they have a hardened “dental pad” in their upper jaw. This dental pad is what helps the goats break down their food.
Just like dogs and cats, if a goat leans against your leg, congrats!
You’ve been claimed by the goat distribution system! Just like dogs, a goat leaning on your leg is considered a hug. Fair warning – you may not be allowed to move until you’ve given at least three to five business minutes of solid ear scratches, pets, and a round of, “Who’s a good goat?”
Nope! Nigerian Dwarf goats are a specific breed of goat that stays small even when fully grown.
Think of them as the “compact model” of the goat world – easier to handle, incredibly friendly, and full of big personality in a small package. Nigerian dwarf goats are the most dog-like of the goat breeds.
Domestic goats come in roughly 200 recognized breeds
but did you know that there are only three main TYPES of goat? Those are domestic goats, mountain goats, and wild goats. The goats at Jolly Goat Garage Doors are Nigerian Dwarf goats. Nigerian Dwarf goats are miniature in size, but extremely agile. They are moderate “talkers”, very playful, intelligent, and social. These are the most “dog-like” goats there are, and are great for families, and are good with children.
Yes! In Norse mythology
Thor famously rode a chariot pulled by two goats. The goats’ names were Tanngrisnir (Norse for “teeth-barer” or “one that snarls”) & Tanngnjóstr (Norse for “teeth grinder” or “one that grinds or gnashes teeth”). Sound familiar? Toothgnasher & Toothgrinder are characters that appear in Marvel Comics and are based on Thor’s beloved goats.
Goats are ruminants with four stomach chambers that work 24/7 to digest food.
They eat quickly, “burp” up cud, rechew it, and send it through their stomachs like a natural fermentation lab. Fun fact: a goat’s rumen can hold 3–6 gallons of fermenting food!
A goat with a tail wagging rapidly from side to side is a happy goat!
Whether having a good scratch, enjoying time with a favorite human, seeing a yummy snack, or just generally happy, goats will wag their tails much like dogs do when they’re happy. Another dog-like action? When a goat “paw-taps” you (tapping your leg with a front hoof), it’s generally demanding attention like ear scratches, pets, or a treat.
Not yet!
But since they are natural climbers, we make sure our headquarters are “goat-proofed.”
If you see a goat on a roof in Oklahoma City, it’s probably not ours…but we’d likely be the first ones called to help get it down!
