Your Guide to Domestic Goose Breeds

Most domestic goose breeds have been bred primarily for meat production, but some have been bred with an emphasis on ornamental traits such as curly feathers or head tufts. The most important criterion in selecting a goose breed for meat production is size, which is appropriate for the number of people to be fed. Another important consideration is the color of the plumage - the white-feathered breeds are easier to pluck clean. To raise meat as naturally and economically as possible, the foraging ability is also important.

African​

The origin of African geese is not known; they are probably related to Chinese geese. The African goose is a graceful goose with a knob on its head and a dewlap under its chin. The brown variety with a black knob and bill, and a brown stripe on the neck are more common than the white variety with an orange knob and bill. Since the knob can freeze easily, the African must be protected in cold weather. This breed is one of the most talkative and also one of the calmest, so it is easy to keep. Africans, like the Chinese, tend to have leaner meat than other breeds, and the young ganders grow quickly - they can weigh up to 18 pounds in a few weeks.

American Buff​

Developed in North America for commercial meat production, the American Buff is a tan goose with brown eyes. This goose is known for being good-natured, friendly, and affectionate. The American Tufted Buff is a distinct breed (created by crossing the American Buff with the Tufted Roman), but similar except for the fact that it sprouts a tuft of feathers at the top of its head. The Tufted is hardier and somewhat more productive than the American Buff. Both breeds of domestic goose are active, curious, and relatively quiet.

Chinese​

Originating in China, the Chinese goose looks similar to the African goose but has no dewlap. It can be either white or brown, with the brown variety having a larger knob than the white. Like African geese, Chinese geese need protective shelter in winter to avoid frostbite on the knobs. This domestic goose breed is most commonly used for weed control. Being both active and small, they are good at spotting emerging weeds while doing little damage to established crops. Thanks to their light weight and strong wings, they can easily fly over even an inadequate fence. Chinese geese are productive layers. Unlike heavier geese, they produce a high number of fertilized eggs, even when breeding on land rather than in water. Like African geese, the young grow relatively quickly and have lean meat.

Embden​

Originating in Germany, the Embden goose is the most commonly bred goose breed for meat production due to its rapid growth, size, and white plumage. The young are gray and can be sexed with some accuracy, as males are usually lighter in color than females. The blue eyes, tall and upright stance and proud demeanor give these geese an air of intelligence. Although they do not lay as many eggs as other breeds, the eggs are the largest with an average weight of 6 ounces.

Pilgrim​

Native to the United States, the Pilgrim is slightly larger than the Chinese goose and is one of the few goose breeds that autosex. The male hatchling is yellow and grows to white plumage, while the female hatchling is olive-gray and grows to gray plumage similar to the Toulouse but with a white face. Because of their light weight, Pilgrims often fly over a fence when attracted by something on the other side. The Pilgrim is a quiet breed that is also more docile than most.

Pomeranian​

Originating in northern Germany, the Pomeranian is a stocky goose with plumage that can be either all-buff, all-gray, all-white, or saddleback (white with a buff or gray head, back, and flanks). This breed is hardy and an excellent forager, needing plenty of high-quality greens to thrive at a young age. More than most other breeds, the Pomeranian's temperament is highly variable and can range from good-natured to belligerent.

Roman​

Originating in Italy, the Roman Goose is a small, white goose that has either a smooth head or a tuft of upright feathers on its head. The Roman Goose is similar in size to the Chinese Goose, although the Roman Goose's short neck and back make it slightly more compact. This breed is known for being good-natured and friendly.

Sebastopol​

The Sebastopol originated in the Black Sea region of southeastern Europe and is famous for its long, flexible plumage that curls and drapes, giving the goose a rumpled appearance. Because of the loose plumage, this domestic goose breed is less able to repel rain in wet weather or stay warm in cold weather. There are varieties of white, gray, and buff plumage.

Shetland​

Originating in Scotland, Shetland Geese are excellent foragers that can basically feed themselves if they have sufficient access to high-quality green forage. Like the Pilgrims, they are autosexing - the gander is predominantly white, while the goose is a gray saddleback (white with a gray head, back, and flanks). The Shetland Goose is the smallest and lightest native goose breed with powerful wings that give it excellent flight ability. These tough little geese have a reputation for being feisty, but with time and patience, they can become gentle and friendly.

Toulouse​

Originating in France, the Toulouse comes in two different types. The production Toulouse is the common gray barnyard goose; the giant, also called the dewlap, gains weight faster, puts on more fat, and matures to a much more massive size, especially when bred for shows. The dewlap consists of a fold of skin that hangs down below the bill and becomes more pronounced as the goose ages. Unlike the more active production Toulouse, the dewlap Toulouse is less inclined to stray far from the feed trough and puts on more fat which, when rendered, adds a wonderful flavor to baked goods.

Here are some domestic goose breeds tidbits at a glance:


* More than most breeds, individuals may be either docile or aggressive.

Do you raise any of the above goose breeds? If so, what have your experiences been with your particular breeds?