Miniature Silky Fainting Goats

Myotonic goats, also known as Tennessee Fainting Goat, Fainting Goat, Wooden Leg, and Stiff Leg are a breed based on distinct head and facial features and an inherited muscle condition called myotonia congenita. Because of their inherited condition, when startled, these goats will stiffen and sometimes fall over. The definition of "fainting is to lose consciousness for a short time because of a temporarily insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain". Our goats do not lose consciousness nor is it painful and they do not "pass out".   

There are different levels of "fainters."  

According to Myotonic Goat Description, 2005, by D. Phillip Sponenberg, DVM, Ph.D., and Barbara Roberts, accepted degrees of stiffness in registered Myotonic goats include:

• Level 1 Never observed to stiffen, but other type traits are consistent, as is pedigree.
• Level 2 Very rarely stiffens, never falls.
• Level 3 Stiffens only occasionally and rarely falls.
• Level 4 Walks normally with no swivel. The rear limbs lock up readily, the forelimbs less so, and goats with this degree of stiffness rarely fall to the ground.
• Level 5 Animal walks relatively normally, although somewhat stiff in the rear and with a swivel at the hip. Rarely stiffens when startled or stepping over a barrier.
• Level 6 Animal always moves stiffly to some degree and readily becomes “locked up” when startled or stepping over a low barrier.
• Levels 4 and 5 are typical. Level 1 Myotonics are called “limber goats” or “limber legs”; they’re atypical and rarely used in responsible breeding.

Myotonic goats are a very docile, hardy breed and also make wonderful pets.