Saanen + Guernsey = Saansey!!

After 30 years of trying out every dairy goat breed in the US, we are currently breeding a specific custom cross; Saanen and British Guernsey.
Both breeds are woefully underutilized by homesteaders, for vastly different reasons, but I aim to increase their popularity by crossing them together to create what I believe is the perfect homesteading dairy goat.

Saanens are large white goats that are often overlooked due to their intimidating size and lack of color. They produce a LOT of milk that has a very clean, simple flavor. As such, they are primarily bred by dairies across the country, making them (on average) one of the most productive and structurally sound dairy breeds in the world.
What has made them a favorite on OUR farm since the 1980s, is their temperament. They are truly gentle giants... Quiet, mellow, friendly and patient, they are a true pleasure to have around. And when you raise animals that are as smart as goats are, a calm and content temperament is SO much more important than flashy colors.

Guernseys came my way in 2013 and I fell hard in love with them. I have owned at least a handful of EVERY full-sized goat that's common in the states, and Guernseys are the only ones I've ever owned that are even calmer and easier than Saanens. And in addition to their wonderful personalities, they also have significantly creamier milk than the Saanens, and a stunning golden coat.
The downside though, is that an extremely limited Guernsey gene pool in the US has forced significant inbreeding, and there are persistent genetic weaknesses like weak udder attachments, poor teat shape and placement, and weak pasterns.

By creating a cross of the two, I'm working hard to bring out the best in both breeds . Contrasting the powerful, productive Saanens with the approachable, precious Guernseys to make a truly sublime homesteading dairy goat. Easy to train, easy to fence, easy to love.
I'm really hoping to catch the attention of buyers who are tempted by the more colorful (but much less enjoyable) goat breeds.

My focuses are:
First, fantastic personalities. I want goats that can be handled and milked by anybody, any time. Goats that make you want to be in the barn, just to spend time with them.
Second, solid conformation. I want them to have long lives, and be healthy and productive the whole time.
Third, plentiful and delicious milk. Milk is the goal! But for me it's not first the first priority. Productivity MUST be combined with a sweet personality and quality conformation, to provide them with a long life of being happy and appreciated, in my barn or yours.

Goats are the best farm animal there is. And... Well... I have the best goats.


**Due to the way this site works, don't click on the individual breeds to see my goats. Just click on "animals" at the very top and all of my current stock will come up. Parents and grandparents are linked (or at least pictured) on every one