Pygmy Goat Description

Pygmy goats are miniature relatives of dairy and meat goats. They are domesticated and usually only grow to a maximum height of 2 feet. Pygmy goats produce a large amount of milk for their size, but are not typically raised for that reason. The good-natured, gregarious pygmy is instead more often raised as a household pet.

  1. History

    • The Pygmy goat, originally called the Cameroon dwarf goat, was only found in West Africa until the middle of the 20th century. Some goats were exported from Africa to zoos in Germany and Sweden, where they were showcased as exotic animals. From the zoos of continental Europe, the pygmy was brought to England, Canada and the United States. The first documented shipment of pygmy goats arrived in the United States in 1959.

    Appearance

    • The color of the pygmy goat can range anywhere between white caramel, dark caramel, silver-gray agouti, dark gray agouti and solid black. They typically grow medium to long hair when raised in cool conditions and have a pair of small horns growing out of the top of the heads. Pygmies grow to a maximum height of 24 inches and a maximum weight of 86 pounds.

    Diet and Care

    • Pygmy goats are easy to feed and take care of; they require only fresh water, goat grain and access to quality hay. However, this breed of goat does require clean conditions. They would rather go thirsty than drink from a tainted water supply. Pygmy goats can get additional minerals from salt blocks.

    Reproduction

    • Pygmy goats usually breed for the first time at 12 to 18 months of age. Females, also known as does, usually bear one to four offspring every nine to 12 months. Newborn kids begin nursing immediately. However, they will also eat grain and roughage a week after they are born. After three months, kids will be fully accustomed to food other than its mother's milk.

    Personality

    • Pygmy goats are social animals with fun-loving personalities. They are domesticated and make for great pets. As long as pygmies have modest room to run and play, they will remain active. Pygmy goats prefer to eat, sleep and play in herds, but are generally content when afforded another goat as a friend.