A LITTLE WILDLIFE PERSPECTIVE

How tall is a goat?

Compare your height to a goat.

Domestic goats range widely: the cited breeds span about 26–107 cm at the shoulder. A dwarf goat and a large dairy goat are very different comparisons.

A LITTLE PERSPECTIVE

Goat
next to the average.

Average U.S. adults, side by side.

Average man (U.S.): 5 ft 8.9 in. Goat: 3 ft 7.3 in. Average woman (U.S.): 5 ft 3.5 in0′ 0″1′ 0″2′ 0″3′ 0″4′ 0″5′ 0″6′ 0″7′ 0″8′ 0″
  • Average man (U.S.)5 ft 8.9 in
  • Goat3 ft 7.3 in
  • Average woman (U.S.)5 ft 3.5 in

How do you measure up?

Enter your height to stand beside a goat.

Side by side

Goat: 3 ft 7.3 in. Your place: Add your height0′ 0″1′ 0″2′ 0″3′ 0″4′ 0″5′ 0″6′ 0″7′ 0″8′ 0″
  • Goat3 ft 7.3 in
  • Your placeAdd your height
Add your height to see the difference.

The animal is an example adult in the pose shown. Its full outline is scaled to 110 cm. Shoulder height and body length are explained below.

Where do you stand?

Your height
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GET TO KNOW THE ANIMAL

Small facts. Big discoveries.

Domestic goat · Capra hircus

A goat’s compact frame, cloven hooves, and often curved horns give it a recognizable outline. Domestic breeds differ greatly in size, coat, and horn shape.

Goats feed on grasses and shrubs, choosing among the plants available rather than simply eating everything they encounter. Living in a herd also helps protect them from predators; when threatened, a goat may use its horns in defense as well as staying near other goats.

  • A beard may be present in either sex.
  • The variety among breeds is why one “average goat” can be misleading.

How big do adults get?

Male
Breed range: 26–107 cm at the shoulder
Female
Breed range: 26–107 cm at the shoulder

Males are generally larger. The combined breed range is roughly 9–113 kg and 26–107 cm at the shoulder. It is not a separate male/female range or a limit for every individual.

Height, length, or weight?

Standing height runs from the ground to the top of the animal. Shoulder height stops at the top of the shoulders. Length runs along the body; it is not how tall an animal stands. Weight tells us how heavy it is.

Explore the science: Animal Diversity Web · University of Michigan