Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats are colorful miniature dairy goats that have risen in popularity as a multi-purpose goat. The Dwarf Nigerian Dairy goat originated in West Africa. The most commonly asked question of the Nigerian Dwarf Goat is: What is the diffence between these and the African Pygmy Goat? Although they share similar African origins, they are each a separate and distinct breed. Pygmy goats are bred to be short and cobby in stature with heavy bones.

 

Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goats are bred to have length of body and the refineness of structure in proportion to true dairy character. A healthy Nigerian Dwarf doe can produce over 2 quarts of sweet milk per day, however, due to their gentle, lovable personalities, most dwarf owners breed their goats for the companionship and pleasure these little caprines offer. Nigerians have a calm, even temperament making them ideal for children, the elderly, and disabled. Even breeding bucks can be handled with ease.

These "knee-high" miniatures do not require the space their larger counterpart dairy goats need, making the care for them practical for the small farm owner.  Their conformation is similiar to that of the larger dairy breeds having body parts in balanced porportion to their small size. The nose is straight, ears being upright and forward in position, with short to medium length hair on a soft coat.  Color is one of the big factors that make breeding the Nigerian Dwarf dairy goat 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 changes as they mature. The main color families are black, white, chocolate, red and gold; with any number varying shades and pattern combinations. Any color or pattern is acceptable in breed standards.