Pygmy and Nigerian Dwarf goats are two distinct breeds with similar origins. To a newbie, Nigerian Dwarfs and Pygmy goats can look very similar. Often the first question we hear when taking a baby Nigerian out in public is “Is that a pygmy goat”? 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.
The most commonly asked question about Dwarf goats is: What is the difference between these and Pygmy goats? While they have similar origins, they are separate and distinct breeds. The origin of the Pygmy goat is believed to be the Cameroon Valley in Africa. The Nigerian Dwarf Goats originated specifically in Nigeria.
So, which is best? Well, that depends on what your end goal is. For our farm, the Nigerian Dwarf wins out! If you’re looking for a pet, you can choose either a Pygmy or a Nigerian, because they both have great (albeit naughty) behaviors. 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.
Both breeds can be naughty. They are hilarious as babies as they jump and run around with surprising agility, but they also are sneaky, can climb fences, and jump long distances. Nigerian and Pygmy goats are as friendly as their mother is, so if you’d like a more friendly goat, I’d recommend bottle feeding instead of letting the mother raise.
Physical Characteristics
How can you tell the difference?
Read also: Pygmy vs. Nigerian Dwarf Goats
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. Colors vary with white “frosting” on black and brown goats being very common.
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.
They can, many times, be the same height and weight, but pygmy goats tend to be stockier, and have shorter legs. Pygmy’s tend to have a limited amount of colors and markings and only have brown eyes.
Height of the Nigerian Dwarf Goat: The nose is straight. The ears are upright. The Nigerian Dwarf is a miniature goat of West African Origin. It has medium hair, similar to that of the larger dairy goat breeds and is in proportion.
Nigerian Dwarf Goat
Read also: Differences Between Nigerian Dwarf and Pygmy Goats
Milk Production
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 are excellent milkers for their size. 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.
An excellent udder is a result of genetics, years of breeding select animals with proper structure and maintaining production records. However, even with the best of these efforts, diet and nutrition are critical and if not up to par, poor milk production will endure. This is the reality of raising any animal for milk, whether it be goats, cattle, sheep or even reindeer! Lastly, a dairy goat does not produce milk unless it is bred and delivers kids.
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.
Purpose
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. Pygmy’s were not bred to be milk animals. Their purpose was meat.
Read also: Pygmy Goose Guide
Pygmy Goats vs Nigerian Dwarf Goats | Key Differences and Which One is Right for You?
Breeding
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. Does can be bred at 7 to 8 months of age if they have reached good size. 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.
Bucks are ready to start breeding at the time they are 7 or 8 months old. They are mature enough to be used for hand breeding or pasture breeding. In most cases, you leave them to do the raising of the kids.
Registration
Dwarf goats are registrable in 3 registries: American Goat Society (AGS), International Dairy Goat Registry (IDGR), and Canadian Goat Society (CGS). Nigerian Dwarf goats are registrable in 3 registries.
Advantages of Miniature Goat Breeds
Here are some advantages of raising miniature goat breeds:
- They’re Cute: It’s hard to deny that miniature goats are absolutely adorable.
- They Eat Less: Smaller goats eat less than larger breeds.
- They Need Less Space: Goats can be willful, and a 50-pound goat likes to play and jump just as much as a 200-pound goat. Small breeds do fine with smaller housing as well.
- They Need Less Fencing: 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: Smaller breeds cause less wear on fencing and buildings. 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. Two of our goats weigh more than I do, and they’re strong!
- 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.
Advantages of Miniature Goat Breeds
Other Miniature Goat Breeds
When it comes to the smallest goat breeds, a few standouts are beloved by homesteaders and hobby farmers alike. These small goat breeds are easier to handle than their full-size counterparts, making them a great choice for beginners or families with children. Many goat keepers also enjoy raising mini goat crosses, like Mini Nubians or Pygoras, for their unique blend of traits.
- Mini Nubians: 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.
- Pygora: 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.
- Kinder: While Mini Nubian Goats are bred specifically for milk production, Kinder goats were bred as dual-purpose farm companions.
- Nigora: Nigora goats are a cross between Nigerian Dwarf Goats and Angora Goats, creating a beautiful long haired small goat breed.
