The Pygmy [[Goats|goat]] is a small, compact breed of goat originating in West Africa. Pygmy goats are the smallest goat breed commonly kept in North America, standing 16 to 23 inches (40 to 58 centimeters) at the shoulder. They are kept primarily as pets, for brush control on small properties, and for milk production at a household scale. The breed is distinct from the Nigerian Dwarf, a more dairy-oriented miniature breed developed from the same African ancestry.
The Pygmy goat is descended from the West African Dwarf goat, a landrace found throughout the coastal regions of West and Central Africa from Senegal to Cameroon. These goats were brought to the United States in the 1950s as exhibition and zoo animals, shipped from European zoos. The breed was first imported to the United States from a Swedish zoo in 1957.
American breeders began developing the Pygmy goat into a standardized breed through selective breeding. The National Pygmy Goat Association was founded in 1975 and maintains the breed standard. The breed's small size, friendly temperament, and hardiness have made it a popular addition to small homesteads and hobby farms.
Pygmy goats are short-legged, broad-bodied, and stocky. Mature does weigh 50 to 80 pounds (23 to 35 kilograms), and bucks weigh 60 to 90 pounds (27 to 40 kilograms). The coat can be solid or patterned, with the most common colors being caramel, agouti (a banded hair pattern producing a grizzled appearance), black, and white. The ears are short and erect, the face is straight or slightly dished, and the beard is present in both sexes. The breed has a distinctive Roman nose and a compact, cobby build.
A Pygmy goat doe produces 1 to 2 quarts (1 to 2 liters) of milk per day, with butterfat content of 4.5 to 6 percent. The milk is rich and high in solids, suitable for cheese and soap making. The breed is long-lived, with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
On small homesteads, Pygmy goats are kept for brush control on fenced areas where their small size and diet variety allow them to clear brambles, weeds, and woody plants from small parcels. Their milk production is modest but sufficient for a family with moderate dairy needs. The high butterfat content makes the milk well-suited for cheese and yogurt production.
Pygmy goats are also a common choice for beginning goat keepers. Their small size makes them easy to handle and requires less secure fencing than larger breeds. The breed's browsing behavior means they require a varied diet including hay, browse, and supplementation rather than pasture grass alone. They are prone to obesity if overfed and require careful management of concentrate feeds.