Nigerian Dwarf Goats: The Small Dairy Breed as a Pet

The Nigerian Dwarf is a true dairy goat in a small frame: under the ADGA standard, does stand 17–22.5 inches (43–57 cm) and bucks up to 23.5 inches (60 cm). They need the same basics as any goat (a companion, browse, goat-proof fences, a dry shed, foot care) plus, if a doe kids, udder care and a plan for the kids.

Dairy-goat looks in a compact size.

The small dairy breed at a glance.

Nigerian Dwarf goat at a glance
Height	Does 17–22.5 inches (43–57 cm); bucks up to 23.5 inches (60 cm)
Weight	Often around 75 lb (34 kg); no breed standard
Type	Dairy breed with a fine, leggy build
Lifespan	Often 10–15 years
Company	At least two goats
Paperwork	Farm-animal ID and movement rules in many countries

How They Differ From Pygmy Goats

Nigerian Dwarfs and pygmy goats are similar in height, so they're often confused. The pygmy is short-legged and stocky; the Nigerian Dwarf has the leaner, more angular build of a dairy goat in miniature and comes in a wide range of colors. For fences, food, company and feet, their needs are almost the same: see goat care basics.

Milking Is Optional; Udder Care Isn't

A doe only produces milk after she has kidded. Plenty of pet keepers never breed their goats, and that's fine. If a doe does kid, though, her udder needs managing whether or not you milk her, and drying her off should be done with advice from a vet who knows dairy goats.

If milking appeals, learn from an experienced breeder or a course first: hygiene, routine (usually twice a day while she's in milk) and equipment all matter. Rules on selling milk vary a lot by country and state, so check before offering any to others.

Should a Pet Goat Be Bred?

For most pet homes, no. Kidding needs experience, a vet on call and good homes lined up for the kids, which grow into goats needing homes for a decade or more. Does kept unbred and wethers make just as good companions. If you're drawn to breeding, find an experienced breeder to mentor you first.

The Law: Rules Differ by Country

Pigs, sheep, goats and cattle kept as pets usually count as farm animals in law. That means registration, identification and movement records, and food-safety rules for any medicines, even for one pet animal that will never be eaten.

United Kingdom: In England you need a County Parish Holding (CPH) number for the land before the animals arrive, then a herd or flock mark from APHA, approved ear tags (or other ID), movement reporting and a holding register. Keepers of food-producing animals must also keep medicine records, for at least five years. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland (DAERA) run their own systems. Start at registering land for livestock on gov.uk.
United States: City or county zoning decides whether you can keep livestock at home. Your state department of agriculture or state veterinarian sets health and movement rules, and many sheep and goats need official scrapie identification when they leave your property or change owner.
Elsewhere: Canada (CFIA and your province), Australia (your state or territory agriculture department), Ireland (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) and New Zealand (Ministry for Primary Industries) all have livestock ID and movement rules.

Kitchen scraps and fallen stock: don't feed kitchen scraps to farm animals; in the UK and the EU it is illegal, pets included. In Great Britain, farm species generally can't be buried at home when they die, even pets; check with APHA or your local council.

Rules change, so check with your national authority before you buy.

Gear for Nigerian Dwarfs

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Goat-proof panels and latches come first. A covered hay rack and a goat mineral lick cover daily feeding. If you plan to milk, a milking stand and a stainless steel pail make the job cleaner and easier. Foot shears keep feet in trim between checks.

Everyday Care

Like all goats, Nigerian Dwarfs need a companion goat, browse and good hay, a goat mineral (kept away from sheep), clean water, a dry shed and regular foot trimming. A doe in kid or in milk needs more feed, so plan her diet with your vet. Wethers can be prone to urinary stones; ask your vet how to feed them. No kitchen scraps: in the UK and the EU it's illegal for farm animals, pets included.

Worming, parasite treatments and other medicines: see your vet or a pet supply store with trained staff. Farm animals are a food-producing species in law in many countries, even as pets, so treatments follow farm rules and need recording.

Frequently Asked Questions

What people ask when choosing a Nigerian Dwarf.

How is a Nigerian Dwarf different from a pygmy goat?

Both are small, but the Nigerian Dwarf is a dairy breed with a leaner, longer-legged build, while the pygmy is stocky and short-legged. Their care is almost the same.

Do I have to milk a Nigerian Dwarf?

Only if she has kidded and you choose to. A doe that hasn't kidded makes no milk. If she does kid and you don't milk her, ask your vet how to dry her off.

How big do Nigerian Dwarfs get?

Under the ADGA standard, does stand 17–22.5 inches (43–57 cm) and bucks up to 23.5 inches (60 cm). There's no weight standard; around 75 lb (34 kg) is often quoted.

Should I breed my pet goat?

Most pet homes shouldn't. Kidding needs experience and a vet on call, and every kid needs a good home for many years.

Can a Nigerian Dwarf live with a pygmy goat?

Yes, they're similar in size and needs, and mixed small herds are common. Introduce new goats gradually.

Can I sell or share my goat's milk?

Rules on selling raw milk vary widely by country and state, and some places ban it. Check with your national or state food-safety authority first.