Miniature Silky Fainting Goat

The miniature silky fainting goat, often called a Mini Silky, is a small ornamental goat breed developed from myotonic or Tennessee Fainting goat ancestry with selection for a long, flowing coat. Its most recognizable traits are profuse hair over the body, fringe, beard, and bangs, along with myotonia, the muscle stiffness that can make a goat lock up or fall when startled. Colors and patterns are broad, so type, coat texture, body balance, and expression carry much of the breed identity. Most are kept as companions, show animals, or small-acreage pets rather than dairy goats.

Management is closer to caring for a long-coated livestock animal than a lawn ornament. The coat needs protection from burrs, wet bedding, and external parasites, and many owners groom or trim for comfort in hot weather. Because myotonia affects movement, handling should be calm and fencing should prevent dogs or visitors from chasing the goats. Breeding programs generally try to keep the myotonic trait without sacrificing sound legs, easy kidding, or normal grazing ability. Like other goats, Mini Silkies need companionship, browse or hay, goat minerals, hoof care, and shelter that stays dry.

Colors: Belted, Black, Black and White, Black and White Pied, Blue, Broken Colored Any Base, Brown, Brown and White, Brown and White Pied, Buckskin, Chamoisee, Chocolate, Cou Blanc, Cou Clair, Cream, Fawn, Gold, Gold and White Pied, Moonspotted, Pinto, Red, Red and White, Roan, Spotted, Sundgau, Swiss Marked, Tan, Tri-Colored, White