Despite their name, Nigerian Dwarf goats are not exclusively from Nigeria. They hail from West African breeds which made their way on ships to the U.S. in the 1930s-1950s as company and food for imported zoo animals. Surviving goats were exhibited in zoos and subsequently domesticated.
Two types of goats emerged from this unusual breeding stock—Dwarf and Pygmy goats. Dwarf goats are dairy goats with a slender build, long legs and flat bones. Pygmy goats are stocky with short legs and round bones and are bred for meat or domestication. The American Goat Society recognized pet Pygmy goats in 1976, Nigerian Dwarfs in 1984.
Nigerian Dwarfs often give birth to twins and triplets. The cuties in the photo above, two rams and a doe named “Hope,” were born last week and are seen here less than 12 hours after their birth. Hope, the one in the middle with a heart-shaped blaze on her forehead, is smaller and struggling to compete with her brothers. She’s being cared for by Margie, a loving vet. We hope Hope makes it. Stay tuned.
FUN FACTS: Nigerian Dwarf goats live 8-12 years. They are horned or hornless and have blue or brown eyes. Females are polyestrous and breed year-round. They are docile, curious and cuter than the dickens. Weights average 40-60 pounds. Milk production: 1 quart per day with 6-10% butterfat.
The American Goat Society recognizes nine breeds: Nigerian Dwarf, Pygmy, Alpine, LaMancha, Nubian, Oberhasli, Saanen, Sable and Toggenburg; two miniature breeds and seven standard-sized, respectively. Saanen, Alpine, Oberhasli and Toggenburgs originated in the Alps. LaManchas, developed in the U.S. by crossing Spanish and Swiss stock, are distinguished by silly, small, sideways ears. Nubian goats, on the other hand, have long, floppy ears; they thrive in hotter climes and originated in the Middle East.
Other lesser recognized breeds include: Angora goats, which produce mohair—not to be confused with Angora rabbits which produce Angora wool; Tennessee Fainting goats (Myotonic goats) which actually don’t faint—they fall over from a genetic condition causing muscle stiffness for 10-20 seconds when stressed.
The American Goat Society, founded in 1935, is one of two main registries in the U.S. The largest and oldest association is the American Dairy Goat Association, originally founded in 1904 as the Milch Goat Association—meaning milking goats. There are at least four other goat registries and associations in the U.S.
