San Clemente

The San Clemente goat is the mainland conservation name commonly used for the San Clemente Island goat, a rare heritage goat descended from feral animals once living on San Clemente Island off southern California. The breed is small to medium sized, agile, and deerlike, with upright carriage, horns in both sexes, and a lean body suited to browsing. Many animals show tan, red, or chamoisee coloring with black points and the dark facial stripes strongly associated with the breed.

Today these goats are kept mostly by conservation-minded breeders, small farms, and specialty herds rather than large commercial dairies. They can provide milk for household use and are efficient browsers, but their greatest value is as a rare genetic population. Secure fencing matters because they are active and curious, and breeding plans should avoid casual crossing that dilutes an already limited gene pool. Prospective owners often look for health-tested stock, careful records, and animals that retain the breed's typical markings, sound feet, and hardy temperament.

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