Saanen goat
The Saanen is a large white or light cream dairy goat from the Saanen Valley of Switzerland. Does stand at least 30 in and weigh at least 135 lb. It is a heavy milker: recorded does averaged 3,051 lb a lactation in 2025, at a modest 3 to 4% butterfat. The American Dairy Goat Association calls it a favourite in commercial dairies for its high production and calm temperament. It is sensitive to strong sun and does best in cooler conditions.
- Temperament
- Calm
- Cold tolerance
- Heat tolerance
Is the Saanen right for you?
Good fit if
- You want a lot of milk per doe: recorded Saanens averaged 3,051 lb a lactation in 2025
- You want a calm dairy goat. The association names calm temperament as one reason commercial dairies favour the breed
- You live somewhere cool. The breed performs best in cooler conditions
Poor fit if
- You want rich milk. Butterfat runs 3 to 4%, against 4.9% for the Nubian in Penn State's 2019 table
- Your summers are hot and your pasture has no shade. The breed is sensitive to excessive sunlight
- You want a small goat. Does stand at least 30 in and weigh 135 lb or more
Appearance and varieties
A Saanen is solid white or light cream all over. Spots may show on the skin, and the association allows a spot in the hair up to 1 1/2 in across. Oklahoma State says white is preferred and that tan skin is preferable, because the breed is sensitive to strong sun.
It is a big dairy goat with rugged bone. The association's minimums are 30 in and 135 lb for does and 32 in and 170 lb for bucks; Oklahoma State puts the breed at about 145 lb and calls it medium to large. Does should look feminine, not coarse.
The ears are erect and carried alertly, preferably pointing forward. The face is straight or dished; a tendency toward a Roman nose counts against the animal. The hair is short and fine, often with a fringe over the spine and thighs.12
Production numbers
What our sources report for the breed. If two sources disagree, you see the full range.
| Measure | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Milk per lactation | 3,051 lb on average; 1,180–5,930 lb across recorded does34 | 214 Saanen lactations in the association's 2025 breed averages. Penn State's table of 2019 records gives an average of 2,702 lb. |
| Butterfat | 3–4%24 | 3.3% in Penn State's table of 2019 milk records; the same table gives the Nubian 4.9%. |
| Butterfat per lactation | 109 lb on average3 | 2025 breed averages; recorded does ranged from 32 to 245 lb. |
| Milk protein | 2.9%43 | 2019 milk records. The 2025 breed averages give 89 lb of protein a lactation. |
| Kids | 1–3 a year4 | Penn State's figure for dairy goats in general, after a gestation of 145–155 days. |
Housing, feed and health
Housing
For dairy goats Purdue recommends 20 to 25 sq ft of enclosed housing a goat, plus 50 sq ft of exercise yard, behind a woven-wire or electric fence at least 4 ft high. Cornell's minimum is 12 to 15 sq ft of shed floor per doe when she also has a yard.
A three-sided shed open to the south is enough in many places. What matters is that it is dry, well ventilated and free of drafts.
Shade matters more for this breed than for most. Oklahoma State says the Saanen is sensitive to excessive sunlight and that providing shade is essential. Purdue puts the comfort zone for dairy goats in general at 55 to 70 °F and says feed intake and milk output fall off above 80 °F.892
Feed
Penn State's advice for dairy goats matters for a breed that milks this heavily: high-producing does need quality forage plus grain, at a rate of 1 lb of grain for every 2.5 to 3 lb of milk.
Forage rarely has enough minerals, so offer a goat mineral mix. Most products made for sheep do not contain enough copper for goats. Clean water must always be within reach; Penn State calls it essential for milk production and herd health.4
Health
The one concern the sources tie to this breed is sun: Oklahoma State says it is sensitive to excessive sunlight, so shade is essential.
Otherwise the concerns are those of any dairy goat. Penn State names parasites as the most important health concern for goats, and mastitis, an udder infection, as a major one for dairy goats. It also lists caseous lymphadenitis, CAE and Johne's disease as infections that spread by contact or through milk and are best controlled through biosecurity.
This is a starting point, not veterinary advice. Work with a vet who treats goats, or ask your county extension office.24
Similar breeds
| Breed | Doe weight | Buck weight | Beginner | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saanen (this breed) | 135 lb or more | 170 lb or more | ||
| Alpine | 135 lb or more | 170 lb or more |
History
The breed comes from the Saanen Valley in Switzerland. Cornell groups it with the other dairy breeds developed for milk production in the Alps.
Purdue describes it as now the second most popular dairy goat breed in the United States, and popular with dairies. The American Dairy Goat Association keeps its herd book, and Penn State counts it among the eight major dairy breeds in the country.
The association keeps a separate herd book for the Sable, which may be any colour except solid white or solid light cream, and says Sables have the same high milk production and calm temperament as the Saanen.25614
Common questions
How big do Saanen goats get?
The American Dairy Goat Association gives minimums, not a range: does at least 30 in tall and 135 lb, bucks at least 32 in and 170 lb. Oklahoma State puts the breed at about 145 lb.12
How much milk does a Saanen goat give?
The association's 2025 breed average was 3,051 lb a lactation, with recorded does ranging from 1,180 to 5,930 lb. That is close to the Alpine's 3,037 lb and well above the Nubian's 1,860 lb.3
What is the butterfat of Saanen milk?
Usually 3 to 4%, according to Oklahoma State. Penn State's table of 2019 records gives 3.3% fat and 2.9% protein, against 4.9% fat for the Nubian.24
What colour are Saanen goats?
Solid white or light cream, with white preferred. Spots on the skin are allowed, and a spot in the hair up to 1 1/2 in across is allowable.12
Where do Saanen goats come from?
The Saanen Valley in Switzerland.2
Are Saanen goats good in hot weather?
Not especially. Oklahoma State says the Saanen is sensitive to excessive sunlight, performs best in cooler conditions and must have shade. Goats in general eat and milk less above 80 °F.28
Are Saanen goats calm?
The American Dairy Goat Association says so: it calls the Saanen a favourite in commercial dairies because of its high milk production and calm temperament.1
What is the difference between a Saanen and a Sable?
Colour. A Saanen is solid white or light cream; a Sable may be any colour or combination except those. The association gives both the same minimum sizes and says Sables have the same high milk production and calm temperament.1
Sources
The small numbers beside each fact point to one of these.
- American Dairy Goat Association, Breed Standards.
- Oklahoma State University, Breeds of Livestock: Saanen Goats (archived copy).
- American Dairy Goat Association, Breed Averages: DHIR Breed Averages, 2025 Lactations.
- Penn State Extension, Dairy Goat Production.
- Cornell University, New York State 4-H, Goat Fact Sheets: Dairy Goat Breeds.
- Purdue University Department of Animal Sciences, Dairy Goats Information: Saanen.
- BreedBarn, Editorial rating, method on the editorial policy page.
- Purdue University Department of Animal Sciences, Housing for Dairy Goats.
- Cornell University, New York State 4-H, Goat Fact Sheets: Goat Facilities.
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