Pigmy Goat Facts

The Pigmy goat is a small breed of goat, and a familiar sight on hobby farms and petting zoos. Specific breed standards have been created for the goat, and breeding programs continue to work to increase the numbers that fit the breed standard. As with all other types of goats, the Pigmy goat is a herd animal that needs a specific diet, shelter and companionship.

  1. Pigmy Goat Breed Standards

    • Breed standards for the Pigmy goat include specific types of coat characteristics, physical conformations and size. Beards on the females should be absent or thin, while the beards on males should be thick, full and long. Acceptable Pigmy coat colors include solid black, black with white patches, black and gray agouti and caramel. The Pigmy goat should have a square-set posture with a level back and a high tail. Females can be disqualified from registration if they have malformed udders or teats, and males can be disqualified from registration if they have non-descending testicles or malformed teats. Full-grown Pigmy goats should be less than 2 feet high at the withers.

    Pigmy Goat Diet

    • Pigmy goats enjoy a varied diet of roughage and grains. Depending on the foods fed to Pigmy goats, supplementation of vitamins and minerals may be needed (particularly for Pigmy goats that are pregnant or nursing). The most common types of foods include alfalfa hay, commercial goat grain, commercial sweet feed, and roughage such as bark or dry leaves. Pigmy goats have a tendency to nipple, taste test or even consume anything in their environment that may be construed as food. Pigmy goat owners need to periodically ensure that the goats' area is free of poisonous plants or bushes or objects (like fabrics or clothes), that may be mistaken as food.

    Pigmy Goat Care

    • Pigmy goats need space to roam, and they enjoy climbing and jumping. While they adjust to many types of climates, regardless of the weather, they should always have access to a covered shelter. Because Pigmy goats may be preyed upon by larger animals, the goats should be kept in a secure enclosure at night. Pigmy goats need plenty of fresh water, and access to fresh food on a daily basis.

    Pigmy Goat Characteristics

    • Pigmy goats originated in West Africa, and they have an average lifespan of 15 years. Pigmy goats reach maturity at between eight to 12 months and have a gestation period of approximately five to six months. They are extremely social, requiring interaction with other Pigmy goats and even people, and they should never be kept alone. Both male and female Pigmy goats have horns, and the males excrete a strong odor during mating season. When males are neutered, they no longer emit this odor.