13 White Geese Breeds (With Pictures)

White geese grace many ponds and backyards across the globe with their elegant beauty. However, it is worth noting that not all white geese are the same; they come in many different breeds.

Moreover, these white-colored birds vary in size, temperament, and purpose. Some are kept for aesthetic appeal, while others are bred for specific objectives like meat or egg production.

This article provides a comprehensive list of 13 white goose breeds, complete with pictures and essential facts. Dive in and discover the differences between these magnificent fowls!

13 White Geese Breeds

1. Sebastopol

Sebastopol ganders and geese stand out with their pure white hue. These birds trace their origins back to southeastern Europe, specifically the region around the Black Sea.

Further, their uniqueness caught the American Poultry Association’s (APA) attention, leading to their recognition in 1938.

What makes them even more distinct is their iconic curly feathers. In fact, these fowls are called Lockengans or Struppgans in Germany, which translates to “curl-goose” and “unkempt goose.”

In this short clip, you will see what Sebastopol geese look like in action:

In terms of temperament, these white geese are known for their docile and calm nature, which makes them easily approachable. This overall friendly disposition is why many keep them as pets.

However, note that they’re not just for show; these geese are versatile as well. On the farming side, they lay between 25 and 35 eggs annually. Yet, they are also considered valuable for meat production.

2. Embden

Embden geese, sometimes spelled “Emden,” boast a white tint that catches the eye. Their roots lie in the North Sea region, particularly in Germany and the Netherlands, giving them a rich heritage in European poultry traditions.

Aside from their angelic coloring, these geese have unique white-tipped beaks and striking orange legs. Their towering stature further enhances their appearance, with most of them standing at around three feet.

During a visit to a friend’s farm, her flock of Embden geese caught my attention immediately. Their presence was both calming and pleasant; they gave off a warmth seldom found in other breeds.

It became evident why many consider them to be one of the friendliest geese available today — they truly deserve such praise.

Regarding functionality, these white geese lay an impressive 30 to 40 eggs per year. Furthermore, they are preferred for meat production, and their genes play a role in creating hybrids.

3. West of England

West of Englands are a rare addition to this list of white geese. These birds are a heritage breed with origins in the southern areas of the United Kingdom, notably in Devon and Cornwall.

Basically, their legacy is preserved as they belong to the category of true autosexing geese, along with the Pilgrim. This trait makes for easier gender identification and thus can be helpful when breeding these waterfowls.

To be specific, West of England ganders are almost entirely white, while females display white feathers adorned with gray markings. However, anticipate that both sexes will exhibit blue eyes and bright orange bills.

Temperament-wise, they stand out as laidback, quiet, and amiable birds. Such attributes make them desirable in domestic or commercial settings where they are raised for meat and eggs or as pets.

4. Slovak White

Slovak White geese are an attractive breed that hails from Nitra, Slovakia. Their appearance is distinct, characterized by a predominant white hue that’s intricately accented with blond markings.

What’s more, the appeal of their yellow eye rims, slightly sloping posture, and the orange hue of their bills and feet give them a remarkable presence.

However, it should be noted that these white geese face an alarming challenge.

To be exact, they are currently classified as endangered; their numbers have fallen to about 100 breeding pairs each. Fortunately, measures are underway to reverse this trend.

On a different note, the temperament of Slovak White geese is said to be calm and docile. Yet, potential owners should be aware of their susceptibility to various health issues, including cholera and coccidiosis.

5. Roman Tufted

Hailing from Italy, Roman Tufteds, another notable white goose breed, carry a rich history of over 2,000 years. Ancient Romans held them in high regard, deeming them sacred to Juno, the goddess of marriage.

When it comes to appearance, Roman Tufted geese don’t disappoint. Unlike other white-colored breeds, they possess a clump of feathers atop their heads, almost looking like they’re wearing mini helmets.

Complementing their distinctive headgear are their pinkish legs and bills. Plus, they are known for their compact body frames, which makes them ideal for displaying at avian shows.

As far as personality is concerned, these white geese are far from shy. In truth, they exhibit an active and somewhat defiant streak. This means they are likely to be more assertive than some other birds.

6. Czech

Czech geese are pristine birds, boasting a pure white appearance. Their origins trace back to Bohemia and Moravia, two significant regions in the western part of what was once Czechoslovakia.

Despite their old roots, however, these white geese were officially standardized in the United Kingdom as recently as 2008. This recognition has since elevated their status among poultry enthusiasts.

Going back to appearance, they are instantly recognizable by their vibrant orange feet, shanks, and beaks. Further adding to their charm is the variability in their looks: some sport crests, while others do not.

On top of that, these fowls serve multiple purposes. With a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, they are primarily reared for egg, meat, and feather production.

7. White Chinese

White Chinese geese offer a fascinating blend of elegance and heritage. With roots believed to trace back to China, these birds are thought to be descendants of the wild Asiatic Swan, suggesting a deep historical line.

With regard to appearance, their immaculate white feathers play a stunning contrast to their orange-pigmented bills, limbs, and feet. They also have long necks, which are arched gracefully from their bodies.

Intriguingly, their personalities are as captivating as their looks. Known for being curious and alert, they are also inclined to be somewhat vocal. This makes them a lively addition to any homestead.

In addition, owners and breeders prize White Chinese geese for their prolific egg production. They produce an average of 40 to 100 eggs each year.

8. Snow

Snow geese, with their white feathers and contrasting black wingtips, are native treasures of North America. They were once hunted to near extinction but have made a comeback thanks to preservation efforts.

However, for those who plan to keep them domestically, it’s worth noting that these white geese are migratory creatures. Due to this nature, they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).

As for their utility, Snow geese aren’t excellent layers, as they produce only 2 to 6 eggs annually. Instead, their real value lies in pest control. They keep unwanted insects and bugs at bay.

In terms of looks, these birds’ all-white coloration is beautifully balanced by pink-tinted beaks, legs, and feet.

9. White African

White African geese, with their pure white plumage, carry an interesting origin story. Contrary to what their name suggests, these birds are not African natives; they hail from China.

As far as behavior goes, their presence is impossible to miss, given their sociable, intelligent, and inquisitive disposition. They are also known for their friendly nature and ability to adapt to different environments.

Visually, White African geese are a standout among their peers in the bird world. In particular, they’re easily recognizable by their large, orange-colored knobs, which sprout once they reach adulthood.

While they serve primarily for meat production, these white geese are also reliable layers. They produce between 20 and 40 eggs per year.

10. Ross’s Geese

Ross’s geese, boasting white plumage and black-tipped wings, are captivating birds native to North America. At first glance, though, they often get mistaken for Snow geese due to their similar coloration.

However, a closer look reveals noticeable differences: Ross’s geese are notably smaller and have stubbier bills than their Snow geese counterparts.

Regarding disposition, Ross’s geese are known for being docile and non-hostile. Yet, one shouldn’t rush to domesticate them. Like Snow geese, they are migratory birds. As such, they’re not meant to be kept as pets.

A fascinating aspect of these white geese is their nesting preference. The vast majority, nearly 95%, choose the Queen Maud Gulf Migratory Bird Sanctuary in the mid-Canadian Arctic as their brooding ground.

11. Pomeranian

Originating from Germany, Pomeranian geese are unique for their striking contrast of white bodies and dark-colored heads, backs, and flanks. They also boast other features, including a single-lobed paunch and blue eyes.

Moreover, these white geese carry some weight, with ganders typically ranging from 17 to 25 pounds and females weighing between 15 and 20 pounds.

These geese are also quite the social butterflies, always engaged in lively chatter and demonstrating a friendly demeanor. However, their flighty nature ensures they keep their distance when approached by predators.

As for their primary use, they are esteemed for both meat and egg production. They lay an impressive number of eggs annually, with the majority approaching up to 70.

An added advantage of Pomeranian geese is their high broodiness. This trait guarantees a good number of their eggs are likely to be fertile, which enhances their value for breeders.

12. American Buff

American Buff geese are another breed of white-colored birds that deserve your attention. They are distinct with their creamy-white feathers adorned with apricot highlights.

It is interesting to note that these geese were developed in North America. They were also believed to have been bred from the wild Greylag goose.

Their temperament sets them apart; they’re known to be calm, inquisitive, and docile. This makes them excellent pets for even beginners who want to experience raising a gaggle of geese for the first time.

Beyond their looks and disposition, American Buff geese perform a practical role in commercial meat production. Plus, they are capable of producing large eggs.

Initially classified as a light breed, they’ve since evolved and are now considered heavyweights in the goose community. Males typically weigh between 22 and 28.4 pounds, and females range from 15.4 to 22 pounds.

13. Danish Landrace

Distinguished by their ash-white plumage, Danish Landrace geese exhibit intriguing gray mottling on their head, back, and inner wings.

The charm doesn’t stop there: they also maintain long, elegant necks, orange-colored legs and beaks, and eyes that can range from a deep blue to a rich brown.

When it comes to origin, these geese are often considered a national treasure in Denmark. Yet, as with American Buff and Pomeranian geese, they trace their roots back to the Scandinavian wild gray goose or Greylag.

Apart from their history and visual appeal, Danish Landrace geese are known for their calm disposition yet talkative streak. Given this, you’ll often find them being raised as pets.

Still, you can anticipate that they won’t disappoint in terms of productivity either. They are mainly reared for meat, egg, and feather production, which makes them versatile additions to any farm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Geese Be Fully White?

Yes, geese can possess a completely white-colored plumage. Breeds like the Sebastopol, Embden, Roman Tufted, and White African are just a few examples.

Why Are Some Geese White?

Some geese are naturally white-pigmented, while others result from selective breeding. However, note that albinism and leucism can also cause this coloration.

What Are the Rare White Geese Breeds?

Rare white geese breeds include the West of England, Slovak White, Roman Tufted, Pomeranian, American Buff, and the Danish Landrace. They are all extremely low in numbers and can be hard to find.

Final Thoughts

White geese offer a fascinating range of characteristics. From their distinct appearances to their varying purposes, these angelic birds each hold a unique place in the world of avian enthusiasts.

For instance, some breeds are ideal for families seeking low-maintenance pets. Meanwhile, others thrive in the hustle and bustle of active farms where they can be raised as broilers or livestock animals.

Hopefully, this article has given you a better understanding of the many white goose breeds available. The next step is for you to find one that best suits your lifestyle, preferences, and needs.

So, which of the 13 white geese breeds is your favorite? Do share your thoughts on these beautiful birds in the comments below!