Hi Whiskeyman I'm new to this board but I have kept goats before so I'll throw my humble opinion in.
Goats are family animals and like to live in a group, it's good for their mental and physical health. I would suggest that if you want a baby you adopt a 'doe with kid at foot' This way you get a well adjusted baby who is bonded to it's mother and feels secure in the world.
If you must get a younger one without it's mum then please make sure it has had plenty of time to wean naturally, however this is not ideal as it will get lonely for its own kind, I would strongly urge you to get 2 or maybe a sheep as they do get on quite well together.
Goats thrive better and are nicer tempered if they are given a secure, warm house and paddock, I hate to see them tethered by collars and chains but I understand that it's necesary sometimes. Goats can withstand the cold but they don't do well if they get wet and so the house needs to be rainproof. They need to browse on lots of different types of vegetation (and if they escape they will eat your entire garden ;-) ) I like to supplement my goats browsing with some commercial goat food but be careful adding this to thier diet as they get upset tummies very easily, be very gradual with all diet changes.
Female goats (nanny's) are usually nice tempered sociable animals if handled gently every day, male goats (billy's) can be the same but you need to have them castrated humanely by a professional when they are young, then they will be as loving and friendly as the girls and you wont get that offensive smell.
Most goats need thier feet trimming so that the hooves don't overgrow and you will need to worm them at least twice a year.
As for type to get, think about what you want from your goat, some have a coat that is nice to spin into yarn, others give milk and some are just plain pretty. If I were you I would check the phone book etc for goat societies and visit some farms that specialise in different types of goats.
Goats are wonderful 'people' and I'm sure you will enjoy your adoptive pet no matter what type you get.
All the best, Ruth

I forgot to say that if you do get a mother and kid then the mother will be very protective of her baby at first and wont let you touch it but as she learns to trust you she will relax and will actually enjoy you distracting the kid from pestering her ;-)

Merry Christmas, xxx Ruth

HI, I have a pet goat. He is a great little friend! I love him to death! He is a pygmy goat. He is very needy though. He wants me to stay with him all the time because he's the only goat we have. I would go to different websites too, and read about different kinds of goats and their personalities to see which kind fits you and your family best.

When I got Reese he was still having to be bottle fed, but you might want to get one that's finished with the bottle, or that's already been taken from its mom.

But, I really like my little goat. They make sweet pets!

Thank you all for the helpful postings.