History
Goats of the Native Greek goat breed constitute a high proportion of the goats kept under extensive systems of management in the Greek mainland and the islands. Most herds do not appear to be genetically fixed and exhibit great variability in phenotype and productivity. The Native Greek goat is viewed as a descendant of the primeval types Capra prisca and Capra aegagrus . They are hardy, and frugal, with a lively temperament, adapted to dry warm climates.
In the lowland regions, goats of higher productivity are bred, in domestic or semi-domestic conditions. These animals descend from crosses, mostly with the breeds Maltese and Saanen, conducted after WWII to upgrade native goats. In recent years, the population of the Native Greek goat is declining rapidly due to the overall abandonment of traditional livestock keeping, by elderly breeders in the mountain regions, and due to crossing with foreign breeds such as the Alpine, Damascus, Anglo-Nubian and Murcia Granado or Skopelos goat.
Morphological Traits
The Native Greek goat is of small to medium size, and medium height. Adult males weigh on average 40-65 kg and females 30-60 kg. Average height at the withers for males and females is 73 cm and 65 cm respectively. The head is of triangular shape with a straight nose and medium size ears. The neck is usually; long, narrow, and muscular with characteristic wattles (short pendulous attachments or ‘ear rings’). The great majority of both sexes have beards and forelocks as well as strong horns. The limbs are strong and relatively long. The hair is straight, usually longer in the hind parts, shoulders and belly. The colour spectrum is very extensive ranging from solid black, chestnut, white, to reddish or their various combinations.
Population
Throughout the last century the Native Greek goat breed population ranged from 4 to 5 million animals. In recent years the number of purebred goats has been estimated at 2 - 3 million. The breed enjoys a ‘Not at Risk’ status.
For more information about all the Greek domestic breeds, you can purchase Amalthia's bilingual (Greek-English) book "Greek Domestic Breeds - A Hidden Treasure"
