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.
Miniature Goat Breeds: An Overview
Two miniature goat breeds are found in the United States: the Nigerian Dwarf and the Pygmy. When it comes to the smallest goat breeds, a few standouts are beloved by homesteaders and hobby farmers alike. Many goat keepers also enjoy raising mini goat crosses, like Mini Nubians or Pygoras, for their unique blend of traits.
Why Choose Miniature Goats?
- They Need Less Space: Small breeds do fine with smaller housing as well.
- They Eat Less: Less pasture means less fencing that has to be put up. You can also use shorter fencing, which is less expensive.
- They are Easier to Handle: Goats can be willful, and a 50-pound goat likes to play and jump just as much as a 200-pound goat. In my own experience, even the 30-pound difference between our Angora goats and our Nubians is notable; I have a much easier time managing the Angoras than I do the Nubians.
- They are Less Expensive to Buy: Smaller goats cost less. Breeders of mini breeds often don’t charge as much as what you’d pay for some of the larger breeds.
- They’re Cute: It’s hard to deny that miniature goats are absolutely adorable.
These small goat breeds are easier to handle than their full-size counterparts, making them a great choice for beginners or families with children. Smaller breeds cause less wear on fencing and buildings.
Popular Nigerian Goat Breeds and Crosses
Nigerian Dwarf Goat
The Nigerian Dwarf is a modern American breed of dwarf goat. 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. The Nigerian Dwarf is a miniature goat of West African Origin and is similar to that of the larger dairy goat breeds in proportion. 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, and the ears are upright.
The Nigerian Dwarf Goat is a West African dairy goat breed raised for milk production. They are excellent milkers for their size. Nigerian Dwarfs 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. And unlike other mini breeds they have full-size teats, which makes hand-milking easier. They generally breed year-round and produce twins. 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.
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The Nigerian Dwarf was originally bred for show and as a companion animal. The Nigerian Dwarf was originally selected as a companion and show animal, with emphasis on the breed’s graceful appearance and gentle disposition. The production qualities of the breed, however, have also attracted attention. 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.
Does can be bred at 7 to 8 months of age if they have reached good size. Females can be reproductive by 4 or 5 months of age, and males perhaps as young as 2 months. New born kids average about 2 lbs. at birth but grow quickly. Dwarf goats breed year round, giving the doe a 6 month plus break.
Key Features:
- Origin: West Africa
- Purpose: Dairy
- Size: Miniature
- Colors: Various, including gold, chocolate, and black
- Milk Production: Up to two quarts per day
Pygmy Goat
Pygmy Goats are also an African breed. 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. Most people think any small goat is a pygmy. There is a difference in the two breeds and I cross breed them to get the best of both worlds. Pygmy goats only come in solid colors such as white, black, caramel, and agouti.
They tend to weigh a bit more than the Nigerian Dwarf, up to 85 pounds. Because they are not high milk producers and have smaller teats, most often they are raised as pets or companion animals.
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A Pygmy goat is generally smaller than a Nigerian Dwarf goat. If you want a horn free herd, this is important if they do get horns I have them disbudded at about a week old if you do not want horns.
Mini Nubian
Mini Nubians are gaining popularity in the United States. It’s becoming a popular practice to cross Pygmies with Nubians to create smaller versions of the dairy breed. While Mini Nubian Goats are bred specifically for milk production.
Pygora Goat
A Pygora goat is a cross between a Pygmy and an Angora. The resulting goat can produce a cashmere-like coat that is very valuable to hand spinners.
Nigora Goat
Nigora goats are a cross between Nigerian Dwarf Goats and Angora Goats, creating a beautiful long haired small goat breed.
Caring for Miniature Goats
If you are a first-time goat owner, I recommend you get a mentor or ask me lots of questions, or let me be your mentor. I don’t recommend you have just one goat. Goats do better with a playmate, or could end up expecting you to be theirs 24/7. It won’t take long for that fun to get old. Wethers “fixed” boy goats make great pets. Since goats can breed early, my vet recommends fixing boys no sooner than 3 months, and says it is risky to wait much longer if you have females around.
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All goats are great at clearing brush. If you have large acreage, they will keep it mowed for you. The big threats to goats, especially the babies, are predators. I put my goats up at night to try and reduce this risk. Coyotes, fox, and large cats will get a baby real quick.
My focus is on health first, and traits second. To the best of my knowledge, all the goats I sell are healthy. I have repeat customers, and they believe in the quality of my goats. I strive to do the right thing, and maintain a high quality goat herd. I feel quality is way more important than quantity.
General Care Tips:
- Provide a companion: Goats thrive with a playmate.
- Protect from predators: Secure housing at night is essential.
- Monitor health: Regular check-ups and vaccinations are crucial.
I don't consider breeding my females until they are at least a year old. My goats are so small that sometimes I have to wait until they are almost two for their safety and the safety of the babies.
So…… if I can get a blue eyed, tri-colored, little, and polled, I have hit the jackpot! I am very careful about rotating billys, and I do not line breed (breed relatives to get good traits).
Breed Registries:
- American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA)
- International Dairy Goat Registry (IDGR)
- Canadian Goat Society (CGS)
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.
