Small goat breeds for pets are the ideal choice for people who want to raise a small herd on their property. Goats can be kept in small spaces, and many of these breeds are quite friendly and easy to handle. Some of the best small goat breeds include:
Pygmy goats: Pygmy goats are one of the smallest breeds available, standing only about 20 inches tall at maturity. The average weight for males is about 90 pounds and for females about 60 pounds. They have long ears, short horns and a short tail; they range in color from white or black to brown or red. These goats are good mothers and easy keepers, but they do require extra care when it comes to nutrition because they can develop nutritional deficiencies if not fed properly.
Dwarf dairy goats: Dwarf dairy goats are known for producing high-quality milk with very little fat content, which makes them a favorite among those who want to make cheese or other dairy products at home. These goats tend to be more docile than other types of dairy goats, although they still need plenty of attention from their owners in order to stay healthy and happy.
Myotonic goats: Myotonic goats are also known as Tennessee Fainting Goats because they
The list of small goat breeds for pets is a varied one. The animals range from miniature varieties to pygmy goats, with each having their own specific characteristics.
Small Goat Breeds For Pets
The majority of small goats are domesticated animals, although there are some wild breeds that can be kept as pets.
Some of the most popular types are:
Miniature goats – These are usually around 20-30 inches tall and weigh less than 100 pounds. They have small heads and short legs, but they can still produce milk or be used as meat producers. Some of these smaller breeds include: Nigerian dwarf goats, Kiko goats and Nubian goats.
Pygmy goats – Pygmy goats are even smaller than miniatures, with an average height of 12-18 inches at the shoulder and weight between 25-40 pounds when fully grown. These animals have very rounded bodies with very short legs and large ears. They are also referred to as dwarf or miniature pygmys, depending on how many generations removed from their wild ancestors they are (the further removed from wild stock, the more tame). Some popular types include: Oberhasli pygmies, Myotonic or Tennessee fainting goats
If you’re interested in raising goats, you have a wide variety of breeds to choose from. In fact, there are more than 200 recognized goat breeds in North America alone. While many of these breeds were developed for specific purposes — such as milk production or meat production — some of them make wonderful pets.
The following is a list of small goat breeds that make great pets for families with children and other animals:
- Nigerian Dwarf Goat
- Pygora Goat
- Spanish Goat
- Soapberry Goat
There are many small goat breeds that make wonderful pets. In fact, goats are often considered to be better pets than other livestock because they are inquisitive and curious and they like human attention. They are also more intelligent than many people think, which makes them easier to train.
Some of the smallest breeds of goats are:
Nigerian Dwarf Goat – These small goats were originally bred in Africa as miniature dairy animals and meat producers. They stand about 18 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 35 and 45 pounds when fully grown. Their coats come in a variety of colors including black, white, brown and grey with white markings on their heads and bodies.
Pygmy Goat – Pygmy goats originated from Africa where they were used for both food production as well as companionship by native tribes. Today they are one of the most popular breeds of pet goat due to their small size (standing 12-14 inches tall at maturity) and friendly demeanor. Pygmies come in a variety of colors including black, gray, brown or white with spots or stripes.
Miniature Nubian Goat – Miniature Nubians are the largest breed of miniature goat breed that was developed by crossing Saanen bucks with Nigerian Dwarf does
If you’re looking for a small goat breed, there are many different options. However, the following five are some of the most popular and most common breeds available today.
Nigerian Dwarf Goats
Nigerian dwarf goats are popular among both hobbyists and homesteaders. They produce less milk than other breeds, but they’re also smaller, making them easier to handle. Nigerians can be used as pets or for meat production (they have a similar taste to wild deer). They’re also great foragers, especially when supplemented with hay or other roughage.
Saanen Goats
Saanen goats are medium-sized dairy goats that originated in Switzerland. They’re known for their calm temperament and their milk has high butterfat content (which makes it ideal for cheese production). Saanens have good fertility rates and produce more milk than other dairy breeds on average per day (6-10 pounds).