Two miniature goat breeds are found in the United States: the Nigerian Dwarf and the Pygmy. Dwarf goats are small-sized goats that delight people with their playful energy and gentle nature. They are not simply mini versions of regular goats-they have distinct traits and a rich history. These goats come from breeds like the Pygmy and Nigerian Dwarf, both tracing back to the West African Dwarf goat group.
Over time, some of these dwarf breeds were selectively bred to be more compact, while others were bred to maintain more proportion, even in a smaller form (as in Nigerian Dwarf goats). They first gained attention when small West African goats were brought to Europe and North America for zoos or research, and later adapted as pets, show animals, or small hobby-farm dairy goats.
So what makes dwarf goats special? In the sections below, we’ll explore their traits.
Origins and History
The origin of the Pygmy goat is believed to be the Cameroon Valley in Africa. The Nigerian Dwarf Goats originated specifically in Nigeria. The British took West African Dwarf goats to Europe during their colonization of western Africa in the nineteenth century. In Germany and Sweden, they were exhibited as exotic animals in zoos. Exports of these animals reached Great Britain, Canada, and the United States.
In Europe, they were developed into the Dutch Dwarf and the Pygmy breed of Great Britain. Cameroon Dwarf goats were shipped from Europe to the US in the late fifties, and their offspring were sold to zoos, research facilities, and private individuals. Thereafter, they gained popularity as pets and show animals. The Pygmy was recognized by the American Goat Society in 1976.
Read also: Differences Between Nigerian Dwarf and Pygmy Goats
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.
Often the first question we hear when taking a baby Nigerian out in public is “Is that a pygmy goat”? Nigerian Dwarf Goats and Pygmy’s are two distinct breeds with a similar origin. While originating on the same continent, the two breeds are very different in purpose and structure. They are similar in attitude, temperament, playfulness and maximum height. How can you tell the difference?
Pygmy and Nigerian Dwarf goats seem VERY similar and to the novice goat owner, and it’s easy to get them confused. So, which is best? Well, that depends on what your end goal is. To a newbie, Nigerian Dwarfs and Pygmy goats can look very similar. They can, many times, be the same height and weight, but pygmy goats tend to be stockier, and have shorter legs.
Here’s where you’ll see a stark difference between Pygmy and Nigerian Dwarf goats. Pygmy goats have smaller teats and smaller udders. Their energy production goes into their thick muscles and not into their milk. Some people do try to milk them, but honestly, the small teat size and short legs makes it much more difficult.
Nigerian dwarf goats, on the other hand, are milking stars! They can produce as much as 2-3 quarts a day, though most produce about 1-1.5 quarts per day on average. Also, another little fun thing about Nigerian goats is the TASTE of their milk. It is known as the best tasting goat’s milk around. It’s sweet and creamy and nothing like any other goat’s milk you’ve ever tasted. If you don’t like the taste of goat’s milk, get a Nigerian. I’ve fooled many people into thinking my Nigerian’s milk is cow’s milk.
Read also: Differences Between Pygmy and Nigerian Dwarf Goats
Pygmy goats are primarily meat goats. Most people who are looking for a goat as a pet hate to hear that their adorable miniature goats are often used for meat, but it’s true. Pygmy goats have thick muscles, and that produces great meat production.
Key Differences in Appearance and Structure
- Pygmy Goats: Have a round, heavy bone structure. They are thick muscled and stout. The body circumference is wide and full barreled. The necks are thick and short and the overall body length from head to tail is short. The head is square with the forehead being wide.
- Nigerian Dwarf Goats: Have a refined overall body appearance. The bones are flat and the ideal body build is more delicate, with the refined angularity of a dairy animal. Overall body length is long. The front legs are set under the shoulders, back from the chest. The structure of the hind quarters is very important to allow for good udder development, milk production and longevity of the mammary system.
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.
Nigerian Dwarf Goat
Coloring
- Pygmy Goats: only come in solid colors such as white, black, caramel, and agouti. Colors vary with white “frosting” on black and brown goats being very common.
- Nigerian Dwarf Goats: All colors and patterns, including bi and tri-color combinations, are accepted. Nigerian goats can even have blue eyes, with a “splashy” tri-colored coat.
Pygmy goats will give you 'tiny,' while Nigerian Dwarf goats will give you 'colorful'.
Size and Standard Description
- Pygmy Goats: Pygmy goats have short legs and head, and a well-muscled, stocky body. The barrel is broad and deep; limbs and head are short relative to body length. The head has a dished profile, with a broad forehead, erect ears, goat wattles, and horns. The nose is short, wide and flat with a rounded muzzle. The coat is straight and medium-length and varies in density with season and climate. Height to withers: Bucks max. 23 inches (58 cm); does max. 22 inches (56 cm).
- Nigerian Dwarf Goats: 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.
Pygmy Goat
Read also: Pygmy Goose Guide
Temperament and Uses
Dwarf goats are gentle and lovable. Even breeding bucks are handled easily. 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.
In developed countries they are mainly kept as pets and browsers, occasionally for milk. In Africa, they are mainly used for meat, while milk, manure, and skins provide additional benefits. They are known to be friendly, curious, and social. Playfulness is common-they like to jump, climb, and explore their surroundings. Because of their small size, they are easier to handle, especially for kids or people new to goats.
Here's a summary of their uses:
- Pygmy goats: Primarily meat goats, pets.
- Nigerian Dwarf Goats: Dairy goats, companion animals, show animals.
Either breed can make entertaining, fun loving companions and pets. Which you choose may depend upon your personal taste and your preference for one body style over the other.
Breeding and Milk Production
Nigerian Dwarf goats are excellent milkers for their size. Nigerian Dwarfs can produce up to a half gallon of milk a day. And unlike other mini breeds they have full-size teats, which makes hand-milking easier.
Does produce one to two quarts of milk per day. The milk is high in butterfat and makes excellent cheese and butter. A fair evaluation of any animal must take into account the conditions in which that animal has lived. The way an animal is treated and handled from birth has a huge effect on the resultant personality and behavior traits.
Dwarf goats often breed year-round (especially Nigerian Dwarf types). Dwarf goats breed year round. giving the doe a 6 month plus break. New born kids average about 2 lbs. at birth but grow quickly. 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. 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. They can bear twins, triplets, or more. They generally breed year-round and produce twins.
Pygmy goats and West African Dwarfs are precocious and prolific non-seasonal breeders. Estrus can occur at any time of year. Puberty is common at four to five months, but can occur as early as two months. It is recommended to wait until a doe is 12-18 months old before breeding. She can then produce 1-4 young every 9-12 months and twin births are common. 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.
Care and Adaptability
They are hardy and adapt well to different climates, but need proper shelter, clean space, and good fencing (they are small enough to slip under weak fences). Small breeds do fine with smaller housing as well. They are Easier to Handle.
Their diet includes hay, browse (shrubs, leaves), and supplemental feed as needed. Routine care, like hoof trimming, parasite control, and veterinary checks, is necessary to keep them healthy. The Livestock Conservancy is America’s leading organization working to save over 150 heritage breeds from extinction.
The West African Dwarf is an important production animal within Africa due to its adaptability, disease-resistance and resilience. They are great brush and weed eating goats, and efficient converters of roughage to energy, requiring an 80%-fiber, low-protein diet. Highly adapted to the varying conditions of West Africa, including the damp tropical, subhumid, and drier, savanna climates, they readily acclimatize to new environments, including hot climates and cold weather. They are hardy and resilient, with good resistance to barber pole parasites and trypanosomiasis.
Why Choose Dwarf Goats?
Baby Goats
Many people are drawn to:
- Their mischievous jumps and playful behavior
- Their manageable size and gentleness
- The joy of hand-feeding or gently petting them
- Watching them interact with each other socially
Because they are smaller, they can be accommodated in modest farm or petting-zoo settings. Also, they are less costly to feed and maintain compared to larger goat breeds. 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.
Goats can be willful, and a 50-pound goat likes to play and jump just as much as a 200-pound goat. Smaller breeds cause less wear on fencing and buildings. Less pasture means less fencing that has to be put up. You can also use shorter fencing, which is less expensive. Small breeds do fine with smaller housing as well.
While small goat breeds are convenient for people with a small yard, they should not be reserved just for those with limited space. I believe wholeheartedly that anyone should be able to enjoy a farm experience if they have the desire. They Eat Less. They Need Less Space. They Need Less Fencing. They are Easier to Handle. They are Less Expensive to Buy.
The ULTIMATE Baby Goat Guide
Crossbreeding
Many goat keepers also enjoy raising mini goat crosses, like Mini Nubians or Pygoras, for their unique blend of traits. 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. 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. While Mini Nubian Goats are bred specifically for milk production, Kinder goats were bred as dual-purpose farm companions. Nigora goats are a cross between Nigerian Dwarf Goats and Angora Goats, creating a beautiful long haired small goat breed.
