LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Thousands of goats and their breeders are arriving at the Kentucky Expo Center to determine the true G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) as part of the American Dairy Goat Association Show.

Who has the greatest goat? Judges will be deciding this week at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville.

2,500 goats are entered and began arriving last Thursday. Goats of dozens of breeds will be represented as both professional dairies operations and youth show the animals in the coming days.

Karen Smith has brought a few of her favorites from Cedar Hill, Tennessee.

“The Saanens are the white ones. They are from the Saanen Valley of Switzerland and they are Swiss goats," Smith said.

She's one of the first breeders to arrive to the West Wing lodging at the Expo Center. Smith has been in the goat business many years and will compete in her fourth American Dairy Goat Association National Show.

Ribbons or no, Smith said the goats have already given her a lot over the years. “Friendship, showmanship, compassion, loyalty. I have friends from all over and my goats are my friends," Smith said with a smile.

Another group of Saanens a few pens down from Smith arrived from Alexandria, Minnesota. Dan Louis brought 30 Saanens and Nubians representing Blissberry Dairy from up north.

Louis is hoping one of his goats has what it takes to be a national champion.

“It’s all based off of a scorecard, factoring in how productive they are looking," Louis said, which means a healthy-looking goat gives the best milk. “They are looking for a goat that’s structurally correct, strong atop the top line, strong feet and legs, a well-attached mammary that’s productive and functional."

Unfortunately for spectators, there are no free samples – you’ll have find goat cheese at your nearest grocer. Click here for the entire schedule of events at the ADGA National Show!