by Patricia Stewart

Created on: February 13, 2009

Nigerian dwarf goats (NDs) are the best breed of goat to have as a pet. These "little milkers," provide a great deal of milk for their size, and its richness is beyond compare in the world of goat milk.

But beyond the functional reason for ND's is their size, color, and personality. Though many full sized goats are bottle fed, making them overly friendly, especially for their size, most ND's are still raised by their mothers. This means they have learned "goat manners," and are less likely to jump on you, eat your clothing, or otherwise be pests. That doesn't mean they're perfect. After all, a goat is a goat, and that means you have to have a sense of humor to appreciate them fully.

Nigerian dwarf goats come in all sorts of colors, and in general, love people, especially children. Fully grown, most of them are smaller than a labrador retriever, making them easier to house, feed, and handle. They can get by with less than a half acre of space, and a simple dog house for a shelter. They do need companionship, so goat owners should plan on having at least two. Why? Because in their native Africa, they're only protection is their horns, and the shelter of the herd. In the US, horns are usually removed and by keeping only one goat, there is no other animal "to throw to the lions." In this country, "the lion," is more than likely to be a neighborhood stray dog, or a wild predator who thinks "Cornish game goat," would be tasty.

For those interested in just keeping a goat for a pet, wethers are the best choice. They do not have the scent or behaviors associated with bucks, male goats. Even Nigerian dwarf bucks pack a potent stench during certain times of the year, and have some really nasty habits that the "goat girls," just love. But, by castrating a buckling turning him into a wether, that sweet little goat kid will stay sweet, as it grows, not gaining the objectional male behaviors. They can still inform you if a doe is ready to breed, but "telling," is all he can do about it.

If breeding goats is of interest to you, the Nigerian dwarf has been bred to be a very easy kidder. While pygmies are small, they have been bred, unfortunately, to resemble meat goats, with wide heads, wide chests and narrow pelvises. This makes for some troublesome births. ND's however, have been bred to be "aerodynamic" when they are born, with narrow heads and wide pelvises in the mothers. They are very fertile, and can have litters up to six kids, but twins or triplets is more common.

One of the best things about baby goats is when they discover their legs. I dare a person not to smile when they start springing around their pen, for sheer glee. Because of their size, and their variety of colors, ND's are among the cutest baby anythings I've ever seen.

Goats make wonderful pets, and pound for pound, Nigerian dwarf goats are the most efficient in taking food and converting it into great milk, beautiful babies and wonderful smiles on the faces of their owners. That is why they are my choice to breed, and why I recommend them as a great pet goat.

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