The first three Kinder® does were born in Snohomish, Washington in 1986. After the death of their Nubian buck, Zederkamm Farm bred two Nubian does to the Pygmy buck they had on hand simply to get them back in milk. They were pleasantly surprised by the growth rate, great temperament, and darling appearance of the resulting kids – Briar Rose, Liberty, and Tia. As they matured, the new does continued to impress, boasting high quality milk, ease of kidding, and multiple kids in each freshening.
Liberty was the first Kinder doe entered into official milk test (DHIA). She earned her star by fulfilling the same requirements as those set by ADGA for standard dairy goats. Other local goat enthusiasts soon became involved in the Kinder goat project. In 1988, Teresa Hill, Daralyn Hollenbeck and Kathy Gilmore came together to form the Kinder Goat Breeders Association for the advancement of the breed. The first Kinders were registered in 1989 and a new breed was born!
Kinders were introduced nationally through a front page article in United Caprine News, January 1989. This small nucleus Kinder goats and a handful of breeders in the Snohomish, Washington area was soon followed by the entrance of Bramble Patch Kinders in Miami, Missouri. Sue Huston of Bramble Patch Kinders was inspired by the UCN article to start building their own herd of fine Kinders and in turn encouraged others in Missouri to join in.
The association, run by volunteers, established the standards to which breeders today should strive towards and continues to advance the breed. This could not have been done without the help and encouragement of many individuals, including other goat breeders and judges. Special note should be given to the Considines of Herd Evaluation Service (HES- Portage, WI). The KGBA refined the Kinder Goat Breed Standard with the expert help of Harvey Considine. In addition, HES designed a scorecard specifically for the dual purpose (milk and meat) Kinder. The Association later registered a trademark for the Kinder® name to protect the breed standard, ensure a single breed registry, and pursue the continuous improvement of the Kinder goat.
Kinders are now distributed throughout the United States, with herds spread from one coast to the other. They can even be found in Alaska and Canada! There are now well over 3000 Kinders in the herd book. Not only has the breed become very popular among homesteaders and family farms but these little goats have gone on to become star milkers, grand champions at breed shows and in both meat and milk classes at local shows. Kinders are a unique, versatile breed that has won the hearts of many goat enthusiasts.