Nigerian Dwarf Goats best known for being friendly, hardy, playful and strong milk producers (dairy goats). This versatile breed is great for dairy production or just plain happiness. It is no wonder why these small and easy going goats are so popular.
This comprehensive profile provides an in-depth look at the breed, covering their physical characteristics, temperament, and care needs. From their small size and diverse coat colors to their suitability for families and their benefits as both pets and productive animals, this guide explores all aspects of Nigerian Dwarf goats. Whether you're considering adding these goats to your homestead or just want to learn more, this profile offers essential information on their health, housing, feeding, and more.
Table of Contents
Training and Handling
Handling and Grooming
Behavior Management
Nigerian Dwarf Goat Breed History
Nigerian Dwarf goats are a small, friendly breed originally came to America in the early to mid 1900's from Western Africa. This once exotic breed was initially kept in zoos, quickly spread across the United States and Canada once sold to private homesteaders and breeders.
Since then, they have become a regular staple in homesteads and backyards across America.
Nigerian dwarf goats are known for their high milk production despite their compact size. They are characterized by their diverse coat colors and patterns, as well as their playful and sociable nature. With a height of around 17 to 21 inches at the shoulder, they are well-suited for small farms and as pets. Their adaptability to various climates and ease of care make them popular among goat enthusiasts and homesteaders. Additionally, their milk is rich and creamy, making them a favorite for dairy products.
Nigerian Dwarf Goat Physical Characteristics
Nigerian dwarf goats will have some variation in their appearance between long and short haired goats. But there are common characteristics that they exhibit.
A few common features of this breed include:
Black, White, Gold, Red and Brown Coloring
Medium Ears
Upright Ears
Heavy Beard for Males
Horns (unless disbudded)
Nigerian Dwarf Breed Height & Weight
Nigerian Dwarf goats are aptly named for their small stature. This breed weighs between 40 to 60 pounds on average. This is significantly smaller than the average size of dairy goats, which is 125 pounds.
Similarly, Nigerian Dwarfs are 24 to 30 inches in length and stand between 16 and 23 inches tall. To keep this in perspective the average dairy goat is a minimum of 30 inches tall (28 for females).
Goats reach maturity and full weight and size at about 24 months of age (2 years).
Don't let their small stature fool you, they may be small but they can still jump a six foot fence.
Nigerian Dwarf Goat Coat Colors and Pattern
Nigerian Dwarf goats are known for their striking coat colors and patterns, which contribute to their unique and charming appearance.
The breed exhibits a wide range of colors, including:
Black: Solid black or black with other color patterns.
White: Pure white or white with contrasting markings.
Gold: Various shades of gold, from light to deep hues.
Red: Rich red tones, often with lighter or darker markings.
Brown: Different shades of brown, including chocolate and tan.
In addition to solid colors, Nigerian Dwarf goats can have various patterns and markings, such as:
Spotted: Random spots or patches of different colors across the coat.
Pied: Irregular patches of two or more colors.
Roan: A mix of colors where the coat appears speckled or blended.
These diverse coat colors and patterns make each Nigerian Dwarf goat uniquely beautiful, adding to their appeal as both pets and show animals.
Nigerian Dwarf Goat Breed Distinctive Features
Nigerian Dwarf goats are distinguished by several unique features that set them apart from other goat breeds:
Small Size: They are one of the smallest goat breeds, with adults typically standing between 17 to 21 inches at the shoulder, making them well-suited for small spaces and easy handling as larger breeds can weigh 150 pounds or more.
Medium-Sized, Upright Ears: Their ears are medium in size and stand upright, which is a characteristic trait of the breed.
Distinctive Coat Colors and Patterns: Nigerian Dwarf goats come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including black, white, gold, red, and brown, often with unique markings and spots.
Compact Build: They have a stocky, muscular build with a proportionate body that supports their efficient milk production despite their small size.
Beard in Males: Males often have a noticeable beard, which adds to their distinctive appearance.
Horns: While some Nigerian Dwarf goats are polled (without horns), others have horns that can vary in size and shape.
These distinctive features contribute to the breed's charm and versatility, making Nigerian Dwarf goats popular for both hobby farms and as companion animals.
Nigerian Dwarf Goat Temperament and Behavior
Personality Traits
Nigerian Dwarf goats are known for their friendly and playful personalities. They are curious and intelligent, often forming strong bonds with their human caregivers and enjoying interactive play. Their small size and gentle nature make them approachable and easy to handle.
Noise Level
Nigerian Dwarf goats are considered a quiet breed as far as noise is concerned. This makes them a good candidate for more urban farms in populated neighborhoods.
In our experience, our goats make a decent amount of noise when it's feeding time. As long as you keep to a regular feeding schedule I would see no issue with these goats in a more urban setting.
I will note that when Groot was young (2 months) he was very vocal. I expect this is typical of goat kids.
Social Behavior and Interaction
These goats are highly social animals and thrive in the company of other goats. They enjoy being part of a herd and can become lonely or stressed if kept alone. They are also known for their vocal nature, using various sounds to communicate with their herd and human companions.
Suitability for Families and Kids
Nigerian Dwarf goats are an excellent choice for families with children due to their manageable size and affectionate demeanor. Their gentle behavior and playful antics make them ideal companions for kids, and they generally tolerate handling well, making them a popular choice for 4-H projects and family farms.
Our goats were initially shy and skittish around newcomers but have warmed up nicely, especially with consistent interaction. They were very nervous around children at first, but we've worked through this by having friends and family crouch down with treats, which has encouraged our Nigerian Dwarf goats to approach and enjoy a snack.
We've had many friends and family excited to meet our goats. Despite their big horns, they've never been a problem. We remind our guests that the goats are more afraid of them than vice versa. Our goats are friendly and gentle with everyone, including children and elders.
In our experience, our Nigerian Dwarfs have never shown aggression. They actually get along well with our cattle dog, who has learned to help herd them into the barn.
Nigerian Dwarf Health and Care
If a female is retire (no longer breeding) she will likely live a longer life. Similarly, wethers (neutered males) live 11 to 16 years on average.
Hardiness
Nigerian Dwarf goats are considered to be a versatile and hardy breed as they can thrive in nearly any climate.
A nearby farmer noted that goats can withstand temperatures down to 32 degrees (F). While I'm sure this is a more comfortable temperature for them, our goats managed a day when it was 0 degrees, and -22 degrees with wind chill. We checked on them regularly and provided warm water and a secure shelter with the essential features, and did not experience any issues.
While we did consider providing them coats to keep them warm, dramatic changes to temperature are very dangerous so we opted not to do so. The most important factor on cold days is that they have a sheltered area to get out of the elements and they are not wet.
Wet goats have a much harder time keeping warm in extreme weather.
As far as warm days we have not had any difficulties up to 90 degrees and sunny. We always ensure they have fresh water and a shady place to lie down. For other tips to keeping your goats cool in extreme heat to avoid heat stroke, read our comprehensive article.
Common Health Issues
Due to their hardiness and general resilience, Nigerian Dwarf goats are not ailed by any notable illnesses.
The biggest health risk they are prone to, is like many goats they are social creatures. They can become lonely if they do not have at least one companion. If you are unable to keep your goats together, we suggest adding other forms of stimulation and enrichment.
Nigerian Dwarf goats, like all breeds, can experience certain health issues. Common problems include:
Parasites: Worms, lice, and mites can affect goats. Regular deworming and parasite management are essential.
Respiratory Infections: Keep an eye out for coughing or nasal discharge, which may indicate respiratory issues.
Coccidiosis: A parasitic disease in goats, particularly affecting young kids and stressed animals. It is caused by protozoan parasites that invade the intestinal lining, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, weight loss, and in severe cases, death.
Bloat: Bloat in goats is a serious condition where gas builds up in the rumen, often due to overeating or consuming rich pasture. If not treated promptly, it can become life-threatening, requiring immediate attention to relieve the pressure and prevent complications.
Poisonous Plants: Goats are curious eaters, and consuming poisonous plants can lead to severe health issues. Common toxic plants include azaleas, oleander, and rhododendrons. Ingesting even a small amount can cause symptoms ranging from digestive distress to more serious conditions, so it's crucial to keep these plants out of their reach.
Hoof Problems: Regular hoof trimming is necessary to prevent overgrowth and infections.
Mastitis: A common issue in lactating does, characterized by swollen, painful udders.
Routine Care Requirements
To ensure your Nigerian Dwarf goats stay healthy and happy, consider these routine care practices:
Regular Veterinary Checkups: Schedule annual or biannual checkups to monitor overall health and address any emerging issues. Based on our experience and conversations with other goat owners, finding a qualified goat vet can be quite challenging. It's not always easy to locate a veterinarian who specializes in goats, which is why we often rely on our local goat owner network for advice and support.
Hoof Trimming: Trim hooves every 6 to 8 weeks to prevent overgrowth and potential lameness.
Vaccinations: Keep up with recommended vaccinations to protect against diseases such as CD&T (Clostridium perfringens and tetanus).
Parasite Control: Implement a regular deworming schedule and monitor for signs of parasitic infestations. When our goats start to look bloated, we administer dewormer and usually see a significant improvement, especially if they've been grazing on short grass where parasites thrive.
Clean Environment: Maintain a clean living space to reduce the risk of diseases and infections. As a rule of thumb, when it smells it's time for a change.
These practices will help keep your Nigerian Dwarf goats in good health and ensure their well-being.
Breeding and Reproduction
Breeding Practices
Nigerian dwarfs are able to breed naturally and prolifically without any sort of human intervention.
Nigerian Dwarf goats do have some variation in the age at which they reach sexual maturity. Males can become fertile as early as 2-3 months, though it's often recommended to wait until they are at least 6 months old before breeding to ensure they are physically mature enough. Females typically reach sexual maturity around 4-5 months but are usually not bred until they are closer to 8-9 months old to ensure they are fully developed.
Nigerian Dwarf goats can breed year-round, which is different from many other dairy goat breeds that typically go into heat every 21 days from late summer to early winter (August to January). Once pregnant, the gestation period for Nigerian Dwarf goats is about 145-155 days.
Unlike many larger goat breeds that are seasonal breeders, Nigerian Dwarf goats can breed year-round, offering greater flexibility for herd management. Proper breeding practices involve ensuring that both the buck and doe are healthy and free from disease. Careful selection of breeding pairs can help improve traits like milk production and temperament, making Nigerian Dwarfs a versatile choice for continuous milk production and breeding programs.
Kid Care and Development
After birth, kids need close monitoring to ensure they are nursing properly and gaining weight. Providing a clean, warm environment is essential for their development. Kids grow quickly and are typically weaned at around 8-12 weeks, though this can vary depending on the specific goals of the breeding program.
Milking and Lactation
Once the kids are born, a doe can produce 1 to 2 quarts (liters) of milk daily for up to 10 months. As a dairy breed, Nigerian Dwarf goats produce more milk than the kids require, making it ideal for homesteaders to use in various ways, such as making cheese, butter, or soap. The versatility and high demand for goat milk can turn it into a profitable income source. For more ideas on how to monetize your goat milk, check out our comprehensive article.
Nigerian Dwarf goat milk is particularly prized for its high butterfat content, which gives it a naturally sweet flavor. This richness makes it perfect for producing creamy butter and flavorful cheeses. Additionally, goat milk contains less lactose than cow milk, making it a suitable alternative for those with lactose sensitivity.
Nigerian Dwarf Goat Housing and Environment
Shelter and Space Requirements
Goats need enough space for shelter, grazing, enrichment, and a feeding station for supplementary food. The generally accepted guideline is that one acre can sustain 6 to 8 goats. By the same ratio, this means 3 to 4 goats on half an acre, and up to 12 to 16 goats for two acres.
If you have limited acreage then supplementing feed become increasingly important. The less area you have for them to graze, the more hay and pellets are needed to meet their daily food requirements. See below how we have handled this on our own farm. Learn more about how much acreage is needed per goat and how to supplement their feed if you have less land.
When space is limited, supplementing feed becomes increasingly important. With less grazing area, goats will need more hay and pellets to meet their daily nutritional needs. Effective waste management and regular shelter maintenance are crucial to ensure a clean and healthy environment for your goats.
Nigerian Dwarf goats are recommended to have 135 square feet of space to run and play each day for a happy and healthy goat.
In a shelter 10 square feet per goat is recommended. Building a shelter does not have to be expensive, in fact many do it for free. Check out our favorite free goat shelter plans to learn more!
In our experience, we have a 110 foot x 55 foot pen for our 3 goats and it is a large space. They very much enjoy running around and our favorite past time is watching them have the zoomies after din. We do rotate our goats around the property for goat landscaping as weather allows, but even before we did that, this pen was adequate for 3 goats.
As far as shelter space, being in a colder climate and with smaller goats we have 30 square feet, and we feel we could comfortably fit an additional goat in there as they often snuggle and we are utilizing vertical space for their sleeping accommodations.
Our small barn is secure from predator's and limited drafts, but still is unheated. We did not have any issues with this, even in extreme weather.
Fencing and Enclosure Tips
Proper fencing and enclosure are key to keeping your goats safe and secure. Goats are known for their agility and curiosity, so your fencing needs to be sturdy and high enough to prevent escapes. A fence height of at least 4 to 5 feet is recommended, with materials such as welded wire or electric fencing providing effective containment. Regularly inspect fences for damage and repair any issues promptly to prevent your goats from wandering.
Enclosures should include areas for grazing, shelter, and exercise. If you have limited space, consider rotational grazing to manage pasture health and reduce overgrazing. Additionally, provide shaded areas and fresh water sources to keep your goats comfortable. Properly designed enclosures not only protect your goats but also enhance their quality of life by allowing them to engage in natural behaviors and stay healthy. For more detailed advice on fencing and enclosure solutions, refer to our comprehensive guides on goat care.
We have found that when our goats become bored, they become destructive. Due to this and many holes in the fence we strive to keep them occupied by goat toys.
Nigerian Dwarf Goat Breed Feeding and Nutrition
Diet Recommendations
Proper feeding and nutrition are essential for maintaining the health and productivity of your goats. Providing a balanced diet ensures that your goats receive the necessary nutrients for growth, reproduction, and overall well-being.
Supplement Needs
Goats are ruminants and primarily need a diet consisting of high-quality forage, such as hay or pasture. A typical diet should include a mix of grass or legume hay and access to fresh, clean pasture. In addition to forage, goats require grains or concentrates to meet their energy needs, especially during pregnancy, lactation, or periods of high activity. A mineral supplement specifically formulated for goats is also crucial to ensure they get essential vitamins and minerals.
Feeding Schedule
Establishing a consistent feeding schedule helps regulate your goats' nutritional intake and maintain their health. Goats should have access to forage and fresh water at all times. Supplementary feeds can be provided 1 to 2 times a day, depending on their specific needs and activity levels. Ensure that feeding areas are clean and free from contamination to prevent health issues.
By following these feeding and nutrition guidelines, you can support the overall health and productivity of your goats, ensuring they thrive and perform well in their roles. Our feeding schedule depends on the time of year and the amount of forageable food for our goats.
Training and Handling
Training and handling your goats properly are essential for their well-being and ease of management. Effective training and handling help build trust and ensure smooth interactions with your goats.
Handling and Grooming
Handling your goats regularly helps them become accustomed to human interaction and makes routine tasks easier. Gently pet and check their bodies for signs of injury or illness, and handle their hooves for trimming and inspection. Regular grooming, including brushing their coats, helps keep them clean and free of parasites. For goats with long hair, more frequent grooming may be necessary to prevent matting and discomfort.
Behavior Management
Understanding and managing goat behavior involves recognizing their social dynamics and natural instincts. Goats are herd animals and prefer the company of others, so avoid keeping a single goat alone. Address aggressive or disruptive behavior by redirecting their attention or providing enrichment to keep them occupied. Ensure they have plenty of space and opportunities for mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and associated issues.
By implementing these training and handling practices, you can foster a positive relationship with your goats, ensuring they are well-adjusted and easy to manage. For additional insights on effective training and behavior management, refer to our comprehensive guides on goat care.
Benefits of Owning Nigerian Dwarf Goats
Milk Production
Nigerian Dwarf goats are renowned for their rich, high-fat milk, which is ideal for making cheese, butter, and soap. Their milk has a sweet flavor and creamy texture, making it a favorite among dairy enthusiasts. On average, a doe can produce 1 to 2 quarts (or liters) of milk per day, and since they produce more milk than their kids need, it provides ample opportunities for homemade dairy products.
Meat Production
As a smaller than average sized breed and primarily a dairy goat, they are not considered ideal for an abundance meat production. However, some would consider them to be dual purpose.
Many attest to them being a very delicious source of meat. Not to mention it can sell for $20 a pound!
Companionship and Entertainment
These goats are known for their friendly and playful nature, making them excellent companions. Their curious and social behavior provides constant entertainment and joy, whether you're interacting with them in the barnyard or watching them play. They are great for families, as they generally get along well with children and other pets.
Land Management and Brush Clearing
Nigerian Dwarf goats are effective at clearing brush and managing overgrown areas. Their browsing habits help maintain pasture health and control invasive plants, making them a practical choice for land management. By keeping your property well-maintained, they contribute to a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment.
Are They Right For You?
Nigerian Dwarf goats can be a suitable option for beginners due to their hardiness, friendly personalities, and general ease to raise.
Ultimately the purpose of the goat is a key factor in this decision. Nigerian Dwarf Goats are strong milk producers and can breed year round, but and they are not optimal for meat production.
If you are looking to add a goat that produces an abundance of milk and kids, or is great for children and elders then Nigerian Dwarf goats may be for you!
On the other hand, if you are looking for a meat goats or a standard sized goat, it may be worth considering other breeds.
Learn More
Surprising Facts About Goats You Didn't Know: From their incredible climbing abilities to their unique pupils, goats are full of surprises. Learn 13 fascinating goat facts here.
Raising Goats Guide: Ready to embark on your goat-raising journey? This comprehensive guide is your go-to resource for all things goat-related. From housing and feeding to breeding and health care, we've got you covered!
Best Tools Every New Goat Owner Needs: This list of 10 must-have supplies for new goat owners will ensure that you're ready for anything. In addition to proper infrasture such as shelter, fencing and food, here are our recommended supplies you will need in the first year for happy and healthy goats.
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