Description of the "Toy Mancha"Breed
The "Toy Mancha" breed is relatively new, having begun in Central California in 2000.
The breed is a cross between the Nigerian Dwarf and the LaMancha.
Unlike the "mini-mancha", The Toy Mancha is bred primarily as a pet and not as a milker,
although their milk and production should equal the breeds from which they originated.
The Breed Standard for these two are summarized below, followed by a suggested Breed Standard
for the Toy Mancha.
Nigerian Dwarf
Unlike the shorter-legged, heavier-bodied, round-boned animals typical of what is known today
as a pygmy, the Nigerian dwarf, is a more refined angular animal.
The face is straight or slightly dished. The ears are alert and upright.
The coat is straight with short to medium length hair.
Dwarf goats come in many colors, with the main color families being black, brown, and gold.
Most animals are horned and a few bloodlines are polled. Newborn kids average about two pounds at birth, but grow quickly.
The average adult weight is 75 pounds. Nigerian dwarfs live between 15 and 20 years.
The official breed standard.
LaMancha
The LaMancha dairy goat is born with its unique small ears. The LaMancha also has a very
positive disposition, being inquisitive and lovable, easy-going and cooperative.
LaMancha ears are the most obvious breed difference.
They almost do not exist, and appear in one of two forms - "gopher" ears or "elf" ears.
Gopher ears, which are a must on bucks, contain no cartilage.
They appear as wrinkled folds of skin that lie close to the head.
Elf ears, which may be found on does, come in many shapes and sizes, contain cartilage and skin, and they must look very small in comparison with the size of the doe’s head.
The head and muzzle should be wide, as in the other breeds, and the nose will probably be concave. Any coat color is acceptable, and the hair is short and fine.
The offic ial breed standard can be found at The American Dairy Goat Association Web Page
or visit the American Goat Society for additional information.
Toy Mancha
The Toy Mancha breed is primarily a pet breed. Careful selection of lineage has emphasized
the gentle qualities and friendly personality of the LaMancha breed, combining these with the sleek lines
and small size of the Nigerian Dwarf.
The breed currently (as of April 2006) is being developed at CESAND Farms in Arlington, Washington
and at Jan-D-Goats in Hollister, California.
Press the "Back" arrow on your browser to return to the previous page.
or ... Back to Home Page