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Characteristics

Weight: 99–198 lb (40–90 kg).

Height: 28–40 in (70–100 cm).

Both billies and nannies have curved horns.

The Anatolian Black has been domesticated and bred on small farms in what is now Turkey since 700 BC. It is described as the Syrian type, with long droopy ears and long hair.

This calm gentle mountain breed is normally found in large herds around the Mediterranean and Aegean regions and is well adapted to survive the wild weather and sparse feed; the long, thick, hairy undercoat insulates the animal against the cold. They are occasionally brown, grey or pied, and have a tremendous tolerance to disease. They breed all the year round, feeding on grass and small pine, olive and almond saplings and grain. If there is plenty of food available for the goats the breeder will set up camp along with the herd.

The Anatolian Black is also a brilliant mowing machine. Some say the breed is aggressive and dangerous, but experts confirm that this is not the case. The Anatolian Black is bred for its milk and meat and for its fibre: it sheds 1 lb (0.45 kg) a year.