Poitou

Known in France as the Poitevine or chevre Poitevine, the Poitou goat is a dairy breed from the Poitou and Charentes area of western France. It is a medium to large domestic goat with a rangy frame, long coat, and dark brown to black coloring set off by pale facial stripes, lighter legs, and white or cream areas on the belly and tail. The breed was once common in farm cheese systems but declined sharply after disease outbreaks and replacement by higher-output Alpine and Saanen goats.

Poitevines are kept by conservation herds, artisan dairies, and owners who value a hardy pasture goat with milk that handles well for cheesemaking. They generally fit mixed grazing and browsing systems rather than close confinement, though they still need dry shelter, sound fences, parasite control, hoof care, and careful kidding supervision. Because numbers remain limited, buyers should ask about herd health testing and conservation status; responsible breeding usually favors durable does, sound udders, and genetic diversity over short-term milk volume.

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