African Goose
![](https://www.waterfowl.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/african-1-917x1024.jpg)
Heavy breed
Domesticated Swan Goose Anser cygnoid
Exhibition Africans weigh up to 12.7 kgs – the size that they reportedly reach in their area of origin in SE China. The large head, with a stout bill, carries a crescent-shaped dewlap, unlike its cousin, the Chinese Goose which has an unadorned throat. The body is large and quite long, but carried fairly upright, giving the birds a height of 3 feet or more in the show pen. Like the lighter weight Chinese, they are a most attractive colour with a brown stripe down the back of the neck in contrast to the cream dewlap and throat. The body feathers are ashy brown, edged with a lighter shade. Africans are bold, vocal birds and appear very imposing because of their height. Hand-reared, they make wonderful pets in the large exhibition strains.
![African Goose head](https://www.waterfowl.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/head-Show-champion-African-gander-C-and-M-Ashton--1024x680.jpg)
At the opposite end of the weight scale to the Chinese Goose, the African still stands tall and proud and seems to enjoy its presence. Transporting them calls for a tall box. Despite their mass, African Geese usually have a mild and easy-going temperament.