As its name suggests this breed of goat evolved on Guernsey in the Channel Islands and was brought to the mainland for breeding when numbers had become low in 1965. The Guernsey is the result of breeding Anglo-Nubian goats with Swiss breeds.
The Golden Guernsey had a close shave during World War II when the order was given to kill all livestock to feed the hungry invaders. It is from these survivors that all the present Golden goats are descended.
The Golden Guernsey is a small, fine boned goat with varying shades of gold coloured hair and golden skin.
The hair can be short or long (particularly on the quarters and along the spine).
It has a very friendly nature and is often used by smallholders as they are easily handled.
The ears are erect and pointing slightly forward, with horns that curve backwards.