Nigerian Dwarf Goat Characteristics

Nigerian dwarf goats are miniature goats that people use for milk production or keep as pets. Kids can raise the goats for 4-H projects. In 1981, the American Goat Society (AGS) recognized the Nigerian dwarf goat as a dairy goat, and in 2005, the American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) recognized the breed as well.

  1. History

    • In the United States, people originally used miniature goats as food for larger cats in zoos. Over time, people increasingly wanted to keep the goats as pets. The Nigerian dwarf goat comes from West Africa, where people called them West African dwarfs (WAD). As miniature WADs came to the United States in the 20th century, people referred to them as pygmies. Over time, breeders noticed that the umbrella term "pygmy" included different types of goats. They started to distinguish between the Nigerian dwarf goat, with its small, angular frame, and the pygmy goat, with its shorter legs and heavier body.

    Appearance

    • Nigerian dwarf goats are small, but their head, limbs and body are proportionate to their size. The goats weigh on average 75 lbs. There are two different height standards for Nigerian dwarf goats. The Nigerian Dwarf Goat Association requires female goats, or does, to be 17 to 21 inches in height, while males, or bucks, must be between 19 and 23 inches in height. The American Goat Society allows does to be a maximum of 22.5 inches in height, while bucks can be a maximum height of 23.5 inches. Although original African Nigerian goats were black in color, today's Nigerian dwarf goats come in a variety of colors and patterns. They can be solid black, brown, white or gold, or they can have tricolored, pinto-patterned or dalmatian-spotted coats. A Nigerian dwarf goat typically has erect ears and short to medium-length hair.

    Temperament

    • Nigerian dwarf goats often form bonds with their owners. The goats are friendly, playful and gentle and are well-suited for children, the elderly and the disabled. Nigerian dwarf goats are able to share pastures and get along peacefully with other animals, such as cattle, donkeys, llamas and horses. One problem people may have with the goats is their loudness. Urban goat farmers may not feel comfortable having a Nigerian dwarf goat around because they can be noisy animals and disrupt neighbors.

    Milk Production

    • People often own Nigerian dwarf goats to use them for milk production. Depending on the goat, you can obtain up to 2 qts. or more of sweet-tasting milk every day from the animal. Compared to other dairy goat breeds, the milk that the Nigerian dwarf goat produces is higher in protein and higher in butterfat. Although the goats produce milk, it may be hard to milk them due to their small teats. If you are thinking of purchasing a Nigerian dwarf goat for milk production, examine the udders of the animal and try milking it.