Nubian vs LaMancha
Nubian or LaMancha? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Nubian | LaMancha | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Dairy | Dairy |
| Origin | England | Oregon, US |
| Mature weight | Does 135+ lb | Does about 130 lb |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 12–15 years |
| Temperament | Affectionate, vocal | Calm, gentle |
| Best fit | Family milk, 4-H | Home dairy, first goats |
| Energy | ●●●●● Active and talkative | ●●●●● Calm, steady |
| Hardiness | ●●●●● Heat tolerant | ●●●●● Sturdy, adaptable |
| Fencing needs | ●●●●● Standard goat fencing | ●●●●● Standard goat fencing |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Good if noise is OK | ●●●●● Very forgiving |
| Observed price | Not enough prices yet | Not enough prices yet |
How they differ
- Energy: the Nubian rates higher than the LaMancha (4 of 5 vs 3).
- Hardiness: about the same (4 of 5 each).
- Fencing needs: about the same (3 of 5 each).
- Beginner fit: the LaMancha rates higher than the Nubian (5 of 5 vs 4).
The Nubian
Nubians were developed in England from British and African or Indian goats, and they are known for long ears and a Roman nose. They give rich, sweet milk and are among the most popular dairy goats, and among the loudest.
Nubians are famously loud, which can bother close neighbors. They give less volume than Alpines or Saanens, though with more butterfat.
The LaMancha
LaManchas were developed in Oregon in the 1930s and are known for tiny "gopher" or "elf" ears. They are calm, sturdy dairy goats with good milk and butterfat, and many breeders call them the easiest dairy breed to live with.
The tiny ears make tattooing harder; registered LaManchas are tattooed in the tail web instead. Some buyers simply do not like the look.
Questions
Is a Nubian or a LaMancha better for a beginner?
The LaMancha rates higher for beginners (5 of 5 vs 4). Nubian: Good if noise is OK. LaMancha: Very forgiving.
What is the main difference between a Nubian and a LaMancha?
Nubians are famously loud, which can bother close neighbors. They give less volume than Alpines or Saanens, though with more butterfat. By contrast, the tiny ears make tattooing harder; registered LaManchas are tattooed in the tail web instead. Some buyers simply do not like the look.