Goats were among one of the very first domesticated animals and have been part of human life as companions and a source of hides and food for millennia. Many thousands of years of selective breeding have produced a large number of breeds specialized for different purposes and climates. The Nigerian Dwarf is a modern American breed of dwarf goat.
The Nigerian dwarf goat is a miniature dairy goat breed of West African ancestry. As the name implies, these are small goats with a short, straight coat in a wide variety of black, white, brown, red and gold color patterns. Now a domesticated breed, Nigerian dwarf goats are popular in the United States and many other parts of the world. The breed’s origins trace back to West African Dwarf (WAD) goats, which are prevalent throughout tropical western Africa. Nigerian dwarf goats first entered the United States from West Africa in the early 20thcentury.
Breed Standards and Appearance
The Nigerian Dwarf is small but well-proportioned; its conformation resembles that of larger dairy goats. The coat is fine and fairly short, and may be of any color, or multicolored; common colors are gold, chocolate and black, frequently with white markings. All colors and patterns, including bi and tri-color combinations, are accepted. The nose is straight. The ears are upright.
Nigerian dwarf goats are miniature goats that are found in a large variety of colors, with any combination of black, white, brown and silver. Coloration of offspring may vary from its parents.
Size and Weight
Males and females are similar in size. Nigerian Dwarf goats vary in size, with a bucks’ height reaching up to 23.5 inches at the withers and does 22.25 inches. The ideal size of the breed, however, remains debatable.
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Ideally, the does stand no taller than 17 to 19 inches and the bucks stand no taller than 19 to 20 inches.
Temperament and Behavior
Nigerian dwarf goats are raised for milk production but also as pets. They are sociable, friendly, and can thrive in almost any place. These goats are herd animals and can readily share space with other farm animals. Dwarf goats are gentle and lovable. Even breeding bucks are handled easily.
Diet and Habitat
Goats mostly eat grasses, plants and parts of small shrubs or trees. These browsers can even eat poison ivy or poison oak. Goat owners take advantage of this, letting goats clear plants that other animals won’t eat.
Nigerian dwarf goats are originally from western Africa, but the breed has largely been developed in the United States.
Reproduction and Lifespan
Nigerian dwarf goats don’t have a specific breeding season; they mate at various times throughout the year. Males reach sexual maturity before females, maturing as soon as three months after birth. Females can be reproductive by 4 or 5 months of age, and males perhaps as young as 2 months. Does can be bred at 7 to 8 months of age if they have reached good size. New born kids average about 2 lbs. at birth but grow quickly. Be sure and separate the bucks and does at a young age so be sure and separate the bucks and does. Dwarf goats breed year round, giving the doe a 6 month plus break.
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These goats live about 10 years.
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Milk Production
Nigerian dwarf goats can produce up to two quarts of milk each day. Their milk has 10 percent more protein and butterfat than is found in most dairy goats’ milk. The milk is high in butterfat and makes excellent cheese and butter. Dwarf goats give a lot of milk for their size. They can be milked for up to ten months, but can also be allowed to dry up on their own if milking is no longer desired.
Breed Registration
Dwarf goats are registrable in 3 registries: American Goat Society (AGS), International Dairy Goat Registry (IDGR), and Canadian Goat Society (CGS).
Comparison with Pygmy Goats
Two miniature goat breeds are found in the United States: the Nigerian Dwarf and the Pygmy. The most commonly asked question about Dwarf goats is: What is the difference between these and Pygmy goats? Although they have similar origins, they are separate and distinct breeds. The Pygmy was recognized by the American Goat Society in 1976. During the last two decades, it has been standardized through selection for small size and stocky conformation. The Nigerian Dwarf breed originated from the same genetic foundation as the Pygmy, but has been selected to resemble miniature dairy goats with more slender bodies.
Conservation Status
The versatility of the Nigerian Dwarf, as well as its hardiness and gentle disposition, have given it great appeal. The breed’s population has increased significantly in recent years, registering nearly 7,000 purebred animals in 2002 and 5,900 in 2011. The breeder community faces a challenge, however, in determining the parameters of the breed. Selection for production qualities tends to increase the size of the goats, while selection as a companion animal may emphasize small size.
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The Livestock Conservancy is America’s leading organization working to save over 150 heritage breeds from extinction. We rely on the support of our members, grants, and donations from the public to raise the $700,000 a year needed to maintain our conservation work with rare breeds of farm animals.
