Pygmy Goats vs Dwarf Goats
I am often asked the difference between Pygmy goats and Dwarf goats. Most people use the names interchangeably for any small goat. Pygmy & Nigerian Dwarf goats both originated from Africa but they have developed into two distinctly different breeds.
Both breeds make exceptional small backyard pets but Nigerian Dwarfs goats tend to make a better small milk goat. While you can milk a pygmy goat they are not as likely to produce the quantity of milk you would get from a Nigerian Dwarf. Pygmies are bred to be a meat goat so they would likely produce more meat on their small frame then a Nigerian Dwarf goat.
Both breeds make exceptional small backyard pets but Nigerian Dwarfs goats tend to make a better small milk goat. While you can milk a pygmy goat they are not as likely to produce the quantity of milk you would get from a Nigerian Dwarf. Pygmies are bred to be a meat goat so they would likely produce more meat on their small frame then a Nigerian Dwarf goat.
African Pygmy Goat
African Pygmy Goats were originally developed to be a small meat goat but they have gained popularity as backyard pets.
The Pygmy is small, cobby, compact & muscular goat. Their legs and neck are short in relation to body length. The body size is proportionally larger in relation to the height when compared to that of other breeds. The broad head is large in proportion to body size. Pygmy goats are often heavier then they look. Pygmy goats are very simliar in height to that of the Nigerian Dwarf. Average height of African Pygmy goats is 16" to 21". In breed standard Does are allowed up to 22.5" while bucks are allowed up to 23.5". Adult weight can vary from 50 - 100lbs Pygmy goats come in only a few colors! Caramel, Grey Agouti, Brown Agouti, Black Agouti, Solid Black or Patterned Black. Pygmy goats DO NOT have blue eyes. Any blue eyed "pygmy" goat has Nigerian Dwarf in it's ancestry. Blue eyes would be a disqualification in the show ring. African Pygmy Buck
Beech Creek Elite At-Apache ~ Photo courtesy of Tara's Rowdy Kids
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Nigerian Dwarf Goat
Nigerian Dwarf goats are considered a dairy goat but they are also popular backyard pets.
The Nigerian Dwarf is a miniature dairy goat. They should be balanced in proportions giving it an appearance similar to the larger breeds of dairy goats. Dairy goats have longer necks and longer legs. They are known for their high quality milk with a high butterfat content. Nigerian Dwarf goats are very simliar in height to the African Pygmy. The average height of Nigerian Dwarf goats is 17" to 21". In breed standard Does are allowed up to 22.5" while bucks are allowed up to 23.5". Adult weight can vary from 50 - 85 lbs Dwarf goats come in a very large variety of colors & patterns. Some examples are: Gold, Cream, White, Black, Chocolate, Chamoisee, Buckskin, Swiss Marked, Cou Blanc, Cou Clair, Sundgau & any combination of these colors. The Nigerian Dwarf goats can have blue eyes. They are one of t he only dairy breeds that can be registered with blue eyes, Nigerian Dwarf Buck
Smithurmonds Warrior Honor ~ Photo courtesy of Margaret @ HiNote Farm
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When you compare the two above bucks look closely at the legs, head and neck. The Nigerian buck has a longer leaner neck and legs when compared to the pygmy. The pygmy buck has a body & head that is proportionally large for his short legs.
African Pygmy Doe
Lil's Little Kids Josie ~ Photo courtesy of Tara's Rowdy Kids
Photo courtesy of Tara's Rowdy Kids
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Nigerian Dwarf Doe
Dill Pickle GL La Luna ~ Photo courtesy of KW Farms
KW Farms BB Dally Up ~ Photo courtesy of KW Farms
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When comparing the above does you can see the pygmies typically have larger heads and shorter legs with a stocky body style. The Nigerians have longer legs that are proportional for their lean dairy body size.
Photo courtesy of Tara's Rowdy Kids
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In the above pictures you can see the pygmy has a broad head with a short muzzle. The Nigerian Dwarf has a slightly more slender head with a longer muzzle.
African Pygmy kid
Photo courtesy of Tara's Rowdy Kids
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Nigerian Dwarf Kid
Photo courtesy of KW Farms
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Even at only days old the difference between a purebred pygmy and purebred Nigerian dwarf ican be seen. While I'm sure these two kids weigh about the same at birth the Pygmy kid is shorter in leg and heavier in body. The Nigerian kid is longer in leg and leaner in body.
Mixed Breed Crosses
The photos below are examples of various crosses that involve Nigerians Dwarfs or African Pygmies
Angel ~ Picture courtesy of Liz @ Dolly's Acre
Angel is Pygmy/Nigerian Cross
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Bootsie ~ Picture courtesy of Liz @ Dolly's Acre
Bootsie is a Pygmy/Nigerian Cross
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Buddy ~
Buddy is a Pygmy/Dairy Goat cross
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