Learn About Myotonic Goats

How it all started

Myotonic goats have a rich and fascinating history, dating back to the 1880s when they were first recognized as a breed. Originally from Nova Scotia, they were brought to the USA by John Tinsley, who settled in the Marshall Valley area of TN. In the 1950s, Tennessee Fainting goats were also being raised in the central Texas Hill Country. Over the next few decades, the popularity of these breeds waned, but in the 1980s, they started gaining recognition once again.

A goat by any other name...

Myotonic goats are also commonly referred to as Fainting goats, Tennessee or Texas Wooden Leg goats, Nervous goats, Falling goats, and Stiff-Legged goats.

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At GrumpyGringo Goats we like to use the term Myotonic, it sounds fancy.  

What's with the fainting

If you haven't heard of the American goat breed that faints, you're in for a treat! These lively and playful goats have a unique genetic condition called Myotonia Congenita that causes them to stiffen up and fall over sideways when startled and gives the appearance of fainting. Don't worry though, it does not cause them any pain or physical harm. The average time a goat is immobile after a ‘faint’ ranges from 5 to 20 seconds.

Myotonic goat benefit

• Friendly

• Docile

• Intelligent

• Not an escape artist (with proper fencing)

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