The LaMancha dairy goat is born with its unique small ears. In fact, that is the distinguishing feature of this breed. The breed has excellent dairy temperament and is an all-around sturdy animal that can withstand a great deal of hardship and still produce. The LaMancha is a dependable dairy goat, producing quality milk with high butterfat and protein over a long period of time. One of the advantages to the LaMancha breed is they can be milked for two years without being freshened. The LaMancha also has a very positive disposition.  It is inquisitive and loveable, easygoing and cooperative.

LaMancha goats have, perhaps, the most obscure history of any of the popular breeds. References were made to short-eared goats as far back as ancient Persia. The exact background is as yet, however, unknown.

As the Spanish missionaries were colonizing California, they brought with them a short-eared breed of goat suitable for either milk or meat production.  As each new mission was established, seed stock from the former herd was transplanted to the new location, spreading the population through the West.  This strain is usually thought to be the forerunner of our present LaMancha.

In more recent history, a crate of the short-eared goats was sent to the Paris World's Fair for exhibition (1904).  The inscription was unclear, but the words, "LaMancha, Cordoba, Spain," were easily read.  The name "LaMancha" stuck and became the accepted term for the American version as well.  The present American LaMancha was accepted as a breed for registry on January 27, 1958.

The LaMancha face is straight. The ears are the distinctive breed feature. There are two types of LaMancha ears -- the gopher ear and the elf ear. In does, one type of ear has no advantage over the other. The maximum length of the gopher ear is approximately one inch, or there may be very little ear, with little or no cartilage.