Maltese

The Maltese goat is a Mediterranean dairy breed linked with Malta and long established in southern Italy, especially Sicily and Sardinia. It is associated with a light-colored body, often white or cream, set off by darker ears and a dark or mottled head; some animals also show a pale blaze or speckling. Long, drooping ears and a refined dairy frame help separate it from many local meat goats. Herds are kept mainly for milk used fresh or made into farm cheeses, and regional lines may differ in horn status, size, and exact pattern.

Maltese goats fit warm-climate dairying but still need shelter from cold rain and persistent damp, which can be hard on udders, feet, and young kids. Good milk yield depends on quality forage, concentrate during lactation, clean milking, and culling for sound udders rather than choosing only the classic dark-headed look. In areas where the breed is uncommon, buyers should ask about the source of the stock and whether animals are pure Maltese or Maltese-type crosses selected for similar markings.

Colors: Belted, Black, Black and White, Brown, Brown and White, Buckskin, Chamoisee, Cou Blanc, Cou Clair, Cream, Fawn, Gold, Moonspotted, Pinto, Red, Red and White, Roan, Spotted, Sundgau, Swiss Marked, Tan, White