The objective of this study was to evaluate the adaptability of dairy goats with aid of infrared thermography in the environmental conditions of the Brazilian semiarid region. Were used 36 female goats, with a mean of 2.5 years and an average weight of 45 kg, distributed in a completely randomized design 2 x 2 in a factorial arrangement; two genotypes (Anglo Nubian and Alpine Brown) and two shifts (morning and afternoon), with 18 repetitions. Analysis of variance showed that the shift had significant effect (P<0.05) on rectal temperature (RT), average surface temperature (AST) and thermal gradients, but the breed had no significant effect (P>0.05) and there was no significant interaction between breed and shift. With respect to physiological parameters: respiratory rate (RR) and surface temperature of the muzzle of cinnamon there was significant effect of breed and shift and significant interaction between breed and shift (P<0.05). Positive correlations between physiological parameters and room temperature and negative correlation between thermal gradients and more parameters. The Anglo Nubian breed had become more adapted to the semi-arid environmental conditions representing a good alternative for breeding programs. The Alpine breed increased respiratory effort required to dissipate heat and maintain homeothermy, proving to be more demanding regarding system creation and management in the semi-arid climatic conditions.