Breed Information

About Nigerian Dwarf Goats

The Nigerian Dwarf is a miniature goat of West African origin. Nigerian Dwarf goats are enjoying a
rise in popularity due to their small size and colorful markings. Their small stature means they do
not require as much space as their larger dairy goat counterparts and their gentle and friendly
personalities make them good companion pets. They are easy to handle; even small children can be
at ease with these little goats. Nigerian Dwarfs are considered rare by the American Livestock
Breeds Conservancy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also approved the Nigerian Dwarf
Goat as a livestock dairy goat, which makes them eligible for youth 4H and FFA projects.

The Nigerian Dwarf is a Miniature Dairy Goat

A healthy Nigerian Dwarf doe can produce a surprising amount of sweet milk for her small size - up
to two quarts per day. In addition, Nigerian Dwarf milk is higher in butterfat (6-10% and higher in
protein than milk from most dairy goat breeds.

Nigerian Dwarf Conformation

A Nigerian Dwarf goat's conformation is similar to that of the larger dairy goat breeds. The parts of
the body are in balanced proportion. The nose is straight, although there may be a small break or
stop at the level of the eyes. The ears are upright. The coat is soft with short to medium hair. Any
color or combination of colors is acceptable, although the silver agouti pattern and color is a
moderate fault (pygmy goat-specific markings).

Ideal height of Nigerian Dwarf goats is 17" to 19" for does with does up to 21" allowed in the breed
standard. Ideal height for bucks is 19" to 21" with bucks up to 23" allowed in the breed standard.

Nigerian Dwarf Temperament

Dwarfs goats are gentle, loveable and playful. Their calm, even temperament and engaging
personalities make them suitable companions for all, including children, the disabled and the
elderly. Even breeding bucks are handled easily. They make wonderful pets and great animal
projects for young children in 4H or FFA. Breeders of other types of goats find their Dwarfs blend in
with the rest of their herd and do not need special quarters; just adequate fending to contain them
because of their small size. Many Nigerian Dwarf goats share pastures peacefully with other
livestock such as cattle, horses, llamas and donkeys. In fact, they will often improve a pasture by
removing brambles, undergrowth (including weeds) and ivy (even poison ivy) that other livestock
won't eat.

Accommodations

Goats should be kept in clean pens free of dampness, drafts and pests like flies and rodents. They
also require adequate fencing due to their small size. Nigerian Dwarf goats should not be housed in
airtight buildings; they need to have ventilation for optimum health. For one to just a few goats,
many owners find that an oversized dog house or two does the job. Pens or houses should be kept
clean with fresh hay or straw for bedding. Many owners find that providing a few "toys" for the goats
provides them with hours of caprine entertainment. Tree stumps, rocks or large cable spools are
great for "king of the mountain" games and jumping.

Breeding Nigerian Dwarf Goats

Dwarf goats breed year round. Many owners breed their does three times in two years, giving the
doe at least a 6-month break. Of course, this is a personal choice for each breeders. The gestation
period for a doe is 145 to 153 days. For the most part, Nigerian Dwarfs are a hearty breed with few
kidding problems. New babies average about 2 pounds at birth but grow quickly. Watch out for
those little bucks! Bucklings can be fertile at as young as 7 weeks of age. Make sure you wean does
and bucks separately to help you avoid unintentional breeding.

Does can be bred at 7-8 months of age if they have reached a mature size. Some breeders prefer to
wait until they are at least 1 year or older. Dwarfs does can have several kids at a time, 3 and 4 being
common with some quintuplet births occurring. Dwarfs are generally good mothers able to take care
of their babies should you leave them to do the raising of the kids. They can also provide a
surprising amount of milk for their size if you decide you want your own delicious goat milk or
cheese.

Bucks are able to be used for service as young as 3 months of age and easily by the time they are 7 or
8 months old. Dwarf bucks are vigorous breeders but are gentle enough to be used for hand
breeding (contained) or pasture breeding where one buck is available for several does as they come
into estrus. Both methods are used successfully.

Feeding Dwarf Goats

Most breeders feed a 12% - 18% protein goat feed or dairy ration. It most not contain urea as this is
toxic to goats. Many breeders give less grain if good pasture and browse are available. Hay or
pasture should always be provided in abundant supply. Fresh water in clean containers should also
be available at all times.

Health Care

Dwarf goats, like all other breeds, need some basic care for good health and long life. Hooves
should be trimmed regularly, about every 4-8 weeks or more often if needed. A properly trimmed
and shaped hoof should resemble those of a kid goat's hoof. Vaccinations for tetanus and types C&D
centermost are the basis types given. Check with your local vet for other vaccinations recommended
for your area. Some experienced breeders may immunize their own goats; new owners and breeders
should take their goats to the local vet for vaccines. Worming should be done several times a year.
Your vet can suggest any special supplements (such as selenium), additional immunizations and a
recommended wormer and worming schedule for your particular herd based on your area and
known preventative health measures.

Nigerian Dwarf Registries and Shows

Dwarf goats are registered in 5 registries: four in the United States (NDGA, AGS, IDGR & ADGA)
and one in Canada (CGS). Dwarf shows are growing in popularity and are becoming more readily
available all over the country. Shows are fun, educational and a great way to meet other breeders
and owners. They are a place to sell your goats or obtain superior stock for breeding. Shows or event
information can be obtained through registries, local goat clubs and organizations, including NDGA.

What's the difference between a Nigerian Dwarf and a Pygmy goat?

Although they have similar origins, Nigerian Dwarfs and African Pygmies are separate and distinct
breeds, with recognized differences. Pygmies are bred to be "cobby" and heavy boned. Dwarfs are
bred to have the length of body and more elegant structure that's similar to their larger dairy goat
counterparts. Pygmies are also primarily "agouti" patterned, with black, silver and caramel being the
most common colors.

Nigerian Dwarf Coloring

Color is one of the factors that makes breeding Dwarfs so popular. You can never be sure what color
the babies will be until they are born; even then you can't be sure because many times their color
may change. Main color families are black, chocolate, and gold with virtually every color
combination imaginable being produced. Dwarfs can be dalmatian-spotted, pinto-patterned,
tri-colored or just classy shades of solid jet black, white, chocolate or gold. Buckskin patters are also
popular, described by contrasting facial stripes, a "cape" around the shoulders with a coordinating
dorsal stripe and leg markings. Brown eyes are the most common; however, dwarfs with china blue
eyes are becoming increasingly popular and available.