Algarvia

The Algarvia is a Portuguese goat breed from the Algarve in southern Portugal, where goats have long used Mediterranean scrub, dry hills, and small farm pastures. Also called the Cabra Algarvia, it is principally a dairy goat, although surplus kids have meat value. Animals are medium sized, alert, and often pied or patchy in color, with local lines showing the reddish, brown, black, cream, or white markings typical of Iberian goats. Its reputation rests less on extreme volume than on milk produced in a hot, seasonal landscape.

Algarvia herds are managed for milking, kid rearing, and regional cheese production, so udder structure, fertility, temperament on the stand, and longevity are important selection points. The breed benefits from good forage planning: browse may carry goats through part of the year, but lactating does need enough energy, minerals, and water during dry Algarve summers. For buyers outside Portugal, verified herdbook or association information is useful because the population is regional and can be confused with other Iberian dairy or mixed-purpose goats.

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