Goats with floppy or droopy ears are some of the most recognizable and elegant breeds in the world. Their long, pendulous ears hang down the sides of their heads, giving them a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from upright-eared breeds. This ear shape is not just for aesthetics—it also helps with heat regulation, especially in hot climates, by dissipating excess body heat more effectively. Breeds like the Nubian, Anglo-Nubian, and Jamunapari are among the most famous droopy-eared goats and are valued for both their physical traits and their productivity.
These long-eared goats are commonly found across diverse regions, including India, Europe, and North America. In India, breeds such as Jamunapari, Beetal, Malabari, Osmanabadi, and Barbari are well-known for their droopy ears. These goats are usually dual-purpose, providing both milk and meat, and are highly adapted to local climates—whether arid, semi-arid, or tropical. European droopy-eared breeds like the Anglo-Nubian and British Nubian are primarily dairy goats, prized for their high-butterfat milk and calm, friendly temperaments.
Crossbreeding has played a significant role in enhancing both the physical and productive traits of droopy-eared goats. For example, crossing Nubians with Saanens, Toggenburgs, or Murcianas often retains the Nubian’s long ears while improving milk yield, growth rates, or adaptability. Similarly, in India, crosses between Jamunapari, Beetal, and Malabari goats produce offspring with long ears that are hardy, fast-growing, and productive in both milk and meat. These crossbred droopy-eared goats are especially popular in commercial and smallholder farming systems.
Goats With Floppy/Droopy Ears
Nubian Goat
Nubians are the most famous long-eared goats, with large, floppy ears that hang down beside their faces. They are a dual-purpose breed, raised for both milk and meat. Their milk is high in butterfat, making it ideal for cheese and other dairy products.
Anglo-Nubian Goat
Derived from Nubians crossed with European breeds, Anglo-Nubians inherit the characteristic droopy ears. They are large, hardy, and adaptable, producing rich, high-butterfat milk suitable for both drinking and cheese making.
Jamunapari Goat
Originating from India, Jamunaparis have long, pendulous ears that droop gracefully. They are large, dual-purpose goats, raised for meat and milk, and are also popular for show and ornamental purposes because of their elegant appearance.
Beetal Goat
Beetal goats, found in Punjab, India, have long, droopy ears and are dual-purpose, providing both milk and meat. They are hardy, fast-growing, and highly valued in commercial goat farming.
Malabari Goat
Malabari goats, also called Tellicherry goats, have long, floppy ears. They are primarily meat goats but also produce moderate milk. Their large size and adaptability to tropical climates make them widely raised in southern India.
Osmanabadi Goat
This Indian breed has long, pendulous ears. Osmanabadi goats are primarily used for meat but are also hardy, prolific, and capable of thriving in dry and semi-arid regions.
Barbari Goat
Barbari goats are small to medium-sized, with medium-length droopy ears. They are primarily kept for milk, are prolific breeders, and easy to manage, making them suitable for small-scale or urban farming.
Murciana Goat
Murciana goats from Spain have long, pendulous ears and are primarily dairy goats. They produce rich, high-fat milk and are well-adapted to hot, dry climates, making them a highly productive breed.
British Nubian
British Nubians, derived from Nubians crossed with local British goats, have large, pendulous ears and are primarily dairy goats. They produce high-butterfat milk, making them ideal for cheese and specialty dairy products.
Sirohi x Nubian Cross
Crosses between Sirohi and Nubian goats often inherit the Nubian’s long, droopy ears. These goats are dual-purpose, producing both milk and meat, and are hardy, adapting well to semi-arid climates.
Osmanabadi x Nubian Cross
These crossbred goats retain long, floppy ears while improving milk and meat production traits. They are prolific breeders, hardy, and suitable for smallholder and commercial farms.
Jamunapari x Malabari Cross
This hybrid combines the droopy ears of Jamunapari goats with the size and hardiness of Malabari goats. They are primarily raised for meat and also provide moderate milk yields.
Beetal x Malabari Cross
These crossbreeds inherit long, pendulous ears and dual-purpose traits from Beetal and Malabari goats. They are hardy, fast-growing, and widely raised in tropical regions for both milk and meat.
Toggenburg x Nubian Cross
This hybrid combines the dairy qualities of Toggenburg goats with the Nubian’s long, droopy ears. They are hardy, good milk producers, and retain the Nubian’s distinctive ear shape.
Oberhasli x Nubian Cross
Oberhasli-Nubian crosses often have medium to long droopy ears. These goats produce quality milk, are calm, and adapt well to various climates.
Barbari x Nubian Cross
Crosses between Barbari and Nubian goats result in small to medium-sized goats with droopy ears. They are prolific milk producers and hardy, making them popular for smallholder farming.
Murciana x Nubian Cross
This hybrid combines Murciana goats’ dairy traits with the Nubian’s long, floppy ears. They are highly productive, producing rich milk, and are well-suited for warm, dry climates.