Tennessee Fainting Goats are known by many names:  Myotonic, Wooden Legged, Stiff Legged, Nervous Goats and Scare Goats. 

 

As the story goes, the origins of the fainting goat can be traced back to 1880, when a man named Tinsley appeared in Marshall County TN with three does and one buck.   It is unknown where Mr. Tinsley migrated from, nor where he migrated to after selling his four goats to a local farmer.  John Tinsley appeared to be from Nova Scotia, however he was a quiet man preferring to keep to himself and his origin remains a mystery.  It is said that all myotonic goats descend from these 4 animals.

 

Tennessee Fainting Goats have a condition called Myotonia Congenita.  When the goat is startled or moves suddenly, the muscles tighten up and stiffen.  The goat is not in pain during these episodes, and they are fully conscious.  The duration of the "fainting spells" last about 10 to 15 seconds, at which point the goat continues his or her regular routine.  Any variety of things can startle a goat, a sudden movement or a sudden loud noise can make them stiff legged or "faint". 

 

It is thought that the 4 original goats were black with white, but today a wide variety of colors, sizes, horn styles, coat styles, and builds are available.  As breeders geared their herds towards their desired conformation and goals, the various "types" came to be.  Because of these fainting episodes, fainting goats tend to exhibit a good meat to bone ratio and are often crossbred with other breeds of goats for the meat market.  Other breeders focused on keeping the breed true and purebred myotonics used for show and pet quality were the outcome. 

 

Tennessee Fainting Goats, according to the American Livestock Breeds Conservancey, are considered threatened with less than  1000 annual North American registrations and estimated fewer than 5000 global population.

 

Long ago, farmers ran a few of these goats with their sheep.  When the sheep herd was under attack by a predator, the goat stiffened & became the target of the predator while the sheep escaped.

 

Goats enjoy companionship, either with other goats or farm animals, and in many instances people.   They make good pets, are hardy, and good for brush control.  Many owners enjoy their goats for their companionship and each goats unique, personality.