Pygora Summary Info

A Pygora® is a fiber goat purposely bred to produce fine fiber for hand spinning. The Pygora goat produces a wonderful, lofty, soft, fiber that does not coarsen as the goat ages - and the fiber they produce is also referred to as “Pygora”. With an affectionate, engaging personality, a manageable size, hardiness and fleece in a range of colors - you have the perfect fiber goat.

Pygoras breed and kid easily, and are naturally good mothers. Pygora kids weigh about 5 lb. at birth. Adult does (female Pygoras) average 80-120 lb. and must be at least 18 inches tall. Adult bucks (male Pygoras) and wethers (neutered males) average 75-140 lb. and must be at least 23 inches tall. Pygoras were developed by Katharine Jorgensen in Oregon.

The Pygora Breeders Association (PBA) was formed in 1987 and maintains the registry herd book. The only goat that may bear the name 'Pygora®' is a goat registered with the PBA. In addition, all Pygora goats must conform to the Pygora Breed Standard, which includes conformation, color/patterns and fleece characteristics.

A Pygora goat will have one of three fleece types:

Type A—this fleece averages 6 inches in length, is long, lustrous, has ringlets and should have very few guard hairs. The fiber is very fine and feels silky, smooth and cool to the touch. Type-A goats usually are shorn twice a year.

Type B—this fleece is a strong, lustrous fiber that is curly and very soft. A type-B fleece averages 3-6 inches long, and may have two types of guard hairs: an obvious, stiff guard hair and a silky guard hair. It is the uniquely Pygora fleece - very versatile, warm to the touch and soft. Type-B goats usually are shorn twice a year.

Type C—this fleece is a matte fiber with crimp and a very short staple length (usually 1-3 inches). It has a very obvious coarse guard hair and is warm to the touch. Type C has the finest diameter of the three fleece types and can be as soft as fine cashmere. A type-C coat can be harvested by brushing, plucking or shearing. The yield is quite small, but the effort is worth it. Type-C fleece is unbelievably soft.