Angora Goat
Angora goats are fiber goats raised primarily for mohair, the lustrous fiber produced by their long ringleted fleece. They are smaller than many common meat and dairy goats and require management centered on protecting fleece quality and keeping shorn animals sheltered.
Angora Goat characteristics
| Purpose | Mohair fiber; secondary meat use |
|---|---|
| Mature size/weight | Bucks commonly 180-225 lb; does commonly 70-110 lb |
| Origin | Turkey, associated with Ankara |
| Temperament | Typically gentle but active; individual behavior varies |
| Color/appearance | Usually white, long ringleted fleece; colored Angoras also occur |
| Fiber | Single coat of lustrous mohair, not wool |
| Shearing | Usually shorn twice yearly |
What Angora goats are raised for
Angoras are kept chiefly to produce mohair for yarn, textiles, and other fiber products. The fiber's luster, staple formation, fineness, density, and freedom from coarse contamination are important production traits.
They can also contribute to targeted browse management, but they should be chosen for a fiber enterprise rather than expected to perform like a dairy breed. Market plans should account for shearing, sorting, and fiber preparation.
Why the Angora stands out
Angora goats are the source of mohair and differ from typical double-coated goats by having a single coat. Their fleece forms characteristic ringlets from the fiber's spiral twist and crimp, and white has traditionally been the dominant color.
Raising Angora goats
Schedule shearing around local weather and have clean, dry, draft-protected shelter ready afterward, because a shorn Angora has much less insulation. Keep burrs, mud, and vegetable matter out of the fleece with sound pasture and feeder design, and maintain secure fencing because goats browse readily; contact a licensed veterinarian or Extension office for health questions.
Angora Goat frequently asked questions
Is mohair the same as Angora rabbit wool?
No. Mohair comes from Angora goats; Angora rabbit fiber comes from rabbits.
How often are Angora goats shorn?
They are usually shorn twice a year.
Are Angora goats mainly dairy goats?
No. They are primarily a fiber breed raised for mohair.
Breed characteristics are general guidance and vary by bloodline, region, and management. For animal health, vaccination, and disease questions, consult a licensed veterinarian or your local Cooperative Extension office. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.