If you’re new to HSFGR or sorting out where your goats fit, you’re not alone. These are some of the most common questions we expect people to have as the registry grows. Note: If there is ever a conflict between this FAQ and the Official Rulebook, the most recent published Rulebook (PDF) is the controlling version.
A: No. HSFGR treats the Heritage Silky Fainting Goat as a heritage, silky-coated variation of the landrace myotonic goat, developed from and selected for a specific balance of traits.
It is:
- Rooted in Myotonic (fainting) heritage
- Refined for a silky, flowing coat and soft, elegant character
- Held to a mid-sized, functional frame with capacity and bone
So it isn’t a brand-new species or a cosmetic rebrand, it's a preservation of a defined heritage variety built on Landrace Myotonic foundations.
The Heritage Silky Registry is committed to preserving the past while focusing on long, flowing silky coats.
A: It’s more specific than “just more hair.”
A Heritage Silky Fainting Goat, in HSFGR’s view, should combine:
- Clear Myotonic background and recognizable myotonia traits
- Length of body, capacity, and adequate bone
- A refined, single-silky coat with drape, texture, and sheen
The coat is an overlay, not the whole story. We are not simply taking any Myotonic and adding hair; we are preserving foundational traits of the Landrace Myotonic goat.
A: HSFGR is an independent registry with its own standards and focus. Some goats may be dual-registered with other organizations, and breeders are free to keep those registrations if they wish. What HSFGR emphasizes is:
- A Myotonic base – fainting heritage is treated as a defining trait.
- A mid-sized, functional frame – length, capacity, and overall soundness, up to and including reproductive soundness, matter as much as hair
- A silky coat on top of correct structure – coat should enhance, not hide, the goat
- Written, transparent rules – for breed identity, shows, conduct, and youth programs
We are not trying to redefine what other registries do; we are putting into writing the specific type and philosophy that many of us have been quietly breeding for from the beginning.
A: The core focus of HSFGR is the Heritage Silky Fainting Goat, a Myotonic-based, mid-sized, structurally sound goat, with a flowing silky coat and clear fainting heritage.
However, we know many breeders own silky-type goats that don’t perfectly fit that picture.
All silky goats can join and be recorded honestly.
A. Heavens No. HSFGR does not require you to leave any other registry.
You may:
Keep your goats registered with other organizations, and
Also register eligible goats with HSFGR as a second registry.
We know many breeders will be dual-registered for a while (or permanently), especially during the early years. Our focus is on preserving heritage silky fainting traits with clear, honest records—not on forcing anyone to “pick a side.”
A: No. HSFGR is not anti-small or anti-mini. Size alone is not the problem. Our concern is when extreme smallness or trend-driven type begins to erase:
- Myotonic character
- Structural soundness
- Capacity and function
Within HSFGR’s standard, there is room for a range of heights and coat abundance, as long as the goat remains clearly Myotonic in heritage, sound in structure, and within a functional, heritage-type frame. Toy or novelty goat types are registrable, but not our goal.
The registry provides a neutral breeders directory for contact purposes. Listings may include one optional link as a courtesy but do not function as advertising or endorsement.
A. Existing titles from other registries are respected as part of a goat’s history, but HSFGR titles are earned under HSFGR-sanctioned shows and rules.
That means:
Your goat’s outside titles may be recognized in pedigree or notes as legacy information.
HSFGR titles (CH, GCH, National/Supreme, etc.) are based on HSFGR shows, judges, and reporting.
Full details are in the Show Rules & Title System and the Rulebook sections on titles and legacy recognition.
A. The fainting (myotonic) trait is a key heritage trait for HSFGR. We recognize that:
Some goats faint more obviously than others.
- Some goats carry the trait but don't faint, however they have/give offspring that do.
Age, condition, and handling can affect how visible myotonia is.
Herd history, pedigree, conformation, coat, and other signs of myotonic heritage all matter.
A goat with no recognizable myotonic heritage or expression at all may need closer review
When in doubt, we may ask for video, additional information, or treat the goat as Provisional until more is known. See the Rulebook and Registration Rules for full details.
A: Your goat may still be eligible for registration.
Examples might include:
Incomplete or uncertain heritage documentation
Type that leans outside the defined Heritage Silky Fainting standard
Non-fainting silky-type goats with Myotonic traits/influence in the background
Specific details will be spelled out in the Registration Rules & Breed Standard. The big idea is simple:
We would rather record the goat truthfully than not include it.
A: In many cases, yes. HSFGR is an independent registry with its own standards and categories.
If your goats meet HSFGR’s Heritage criteria, they may be eligible for core Heritage registration.
Silky-type goats that do not fully meet Heritage requirements may still have a place where they can be recorded honestly.
If you’re unsure where your goats fit, you’re welcome to email photos and information to registrar@hsfgr.org and ask for guidance.
A. You can absolutely work on moving a herd into HSFGR.
Typically, you would:
Make sure you’re an HSFGR member in good standing.
Start with your core breeding animals (foundation does and bucks).
Register kids and younger stock in relation to those foundation animals.
If you’re looking at:
A large number of goats,
Complicated pedigrees, or
Multiple existing registries…
…it may be helpful to email registrar@hsfgr.org with an overview. We can help you plan the most efficient and reasonable way to bring your herd into the HSFGR system.
A. HSFGR is a privately owned registry with a defined governance structure.
HSFGR is currently operated by the Registry Director/Registrar. A Board may be formed as the registry grows, with positions filled by application based on service, professionalism, and alignment with HSFGR values. Advisory roles and committees may exist, but they do not have the power to remove or override ownership.
Members can still:
Provide feedback,
Participate in certain votes (as defined in the Rulebook), and
Help shape programs and priorities.
The goal is to preserve stability, heritage focus, and clear direction over time. Full details are in Section 2 – Governance Structure of the Rulebook.
A. If there is ever a conflict:
The most recent Official Rulebook (PDF) is the controlling document.
The website is designed to be a plain-language guide, but the Rulebook, Show Rules, and Code of Conduct are the final word for:
Eligibility
Enforcement
Penalties
Titles and record-keeping
If you spot something that looks inconsistent, you’re welcome to email info@hsfgr.org so it can be reviewed and updated.
A. You’re not alone. Many goats don’t come with perfect, complete records.
HDFGR values:
Honesty over perfection, and
Clear labeling over pretending something is more documented than it really is.
Depending on the situation, your goat may:
Fit into a Heritage category with notes,
Be placed into a Provisional or Affiliate category, or
Need additional documentation or clarification.
We would rather work with you to place the goat accurately than have you guess. For specific cases, email registrar@hsfgr.org with details and photos.
A. YES! Pet and non-breeding goats will be tracked in HSFGR in specific ways.
Some may be designated Pet-Only / Non-Breeding,
Others may remain unregistered but still be documented in litters/notes.
The goal is to:
Keep the breeding population honest and clearly labeled, and
Still allow breeders and owners to maintain records for goats that are part of their herd but not intended to breed.
Policies and designations are explained in Section 4 – Registration Rules & Procedures in the Rulebook.
A. HSFGR does not require everyone to dress identically or wear a specific color. However, we do expect exhibitors to:
Dress neatly and safely (clean jeans or slacks, a tidy shirt, sturdy closed-toe shoes), and
Avoid farm names, registry logos, or big advertising on clothing in the ring, so the focus stays on the goats.
We also ask exhibitors to avoid:
Torn, distressed, or visibly dirty clothing,
Pajama pants, flip-flops, and other very casual items,
Offensive or inappropriate graphics or wording.
Farm branding is welcome on banners and set-ups outside the ring. The detailed dress and presentation policy is in the Show Rules & Title System.
A. To protect goats and keep the barns calm, especially for youth and nervous animals, HSFGR has a clear policy:
No dogs or companion animals in the show ring, holding areas, barn aisles, or pens.
Quiet, leashed dogs may sometimes be allowed in outdoor spectating or camping areas, if the facility permits and the dog is not disturbing goats or exhibitors.
Persistent barking, chasing, or loose dogs are not allowed and may be asked to leave the area or grounds.
There are no special exceptions for organizer or staff dogs. Everyone follows the same rules.
Legitimate service animals assisting a person with a disability are welcome, with the expectation that they are under control and do not interfere with goats or classes. Full details are in the Show Rules.
A. Serious concerns—such as harassment, unsafe behavior, or misuse of registry services—can be submitted through the Complaint / Concern Submission Form (see Forms & Downloads).
The Code of Conduct & Disciplinary Policy explains:
What kinds of issues can be reported
How information is reviewed
Possible outcomes (education, warnings, suspension, etc.)
Not every complaint will be public, but all valid concerns are taken seriously and handled as consistently as possible.
A. You’re not alone—that’s why we wrote so much down.
If you’re just getting started:
-Read the Home and About pages to get a feel for HSFGR’s mission.
-Visit Membership & Registration to decide what membership type fits you, and
-Start with a few key goats to register first (your core breeding animals).
If you’re still unsure, you can always email:
info@hsfgr.org – with a short description of your herd and your questions.
We’d rather walk you through it than have you feel stuck.