Miniature Goats
Miniature goats are equally great for breeders looking to raise them on their homestead and for people seeking a pet goat. They take up less space, require relatively less feed, and are easier to handle, making them generally easier to care for and raise.
Naturally Small vs. Miniature Goats
Before learning about specific breeds, it’s essential to note the difference between terms like ‘small,’ ‘miniature,’ and mini.’ To explain simply, a ‘small’ goat is naturally small and stays that way even when it becomes full-grown. The Nigerian Dwarf would be one of the most noteworthy examples of a naturally small goat. A miniature goat, on the other hand, is usually the result of crossbreeding or selective breeding. These usually have the word ‘mini’ or ‘miniature’ as part of their name.
List of Naturally Small Goat Breeds
Here are some recognized goat breeds known for their small size, arranged by height:
| Breed | Average Height (in) | Average Weight (lbs) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Pygmy | 15-20 | 50-90 | Companions and pets |
| Nigerian Dwarf | 17-20 | 40-75 | Dairy, also as pets |
| Tennessee Fainting Goat (Myotonic) | 17-25 | 60-174 | Pets |
| Pygora | 18-23 | 65-95 | Fiber |
| Nigora | 19-29 | 60-135 | Dual-purpose for milk and fiber |
| Kinder | 26-28 | 115-150 | Dairy (mainly used in ice cream) |
| Nubian | 30-35 | 135-175 | Meat, milk, and hide |
List of Miniature Goats
Crossbreeding and selective breeding are common among goat breeders, who experiment and create miniature versions of various breeds. The list below contains well-known examples arranged according to their height.
| Breed | Origin | Average Height (in) | Average Weight (lbs) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Toggenburg | Nigerian Dwarf ×Toggenburg | 16-23 | 35-60 | Dairy |
| Australia Mini | Nigerian Dwarf × American Pygmy × Other Breeds | 16-24 | 25-60 | Vegetation control |
| Mini Oberhasli | Oberhasli × Nigerian Dwarf | 21-23 | 50-75 | Dairy |
| Miniature Silky Fainting Goat | Tennessee Fainting × Nigerian Dwarf | 22.5-23.5 | 50-80 | Pets |
| Mini Nubian | Nigerian Dwarf Buck × Nubian Doe | 23-29 | 100-135 | Dairy |
| Mini Guernsey | Selectively bred standard Golden Guernsey | 24-26 | 60-80 | Dairy |
| Miniature Boer | Boer × Kalahari × Savannah × Australian Red × Australian Miniature × Pygmy | 24-28 | 80-90 | Show |
| Mini LaMancha | Nigerian Dwarf × LaMancha | 27-29 | 90-120 | Dairy |
| Mini Alpine | Nigerian Dwarf Buck × Standard Alpine | 28-29 | 60-80 | Dairy (used in cheese and yogurt) |
| Mini Saanen | Saanen × Other Breeds | 29-31 | 125-150 | Dairy |
Does Being Small Affect Their Utility
It is worth noting that small goats are generally less productive than regular and bigger breeds for milk, fiber, etc. This remains true even when it comes to miniature versions of larger goats. So, a mini Oberhasli or a mini Saanen would have a lower dairy yield than their standard counterparts.
Still, they might make up for it by producing sweeter milk due to a higher butterfat content. For instance, Nigerian Dwarf produces milk with a butterfat content of 6-10% as opposed to 3.5% in average goat milk.
Raising Miniature Goats
There are several things to keep in mind when rearing miniature goats.
Long Lifespans — Being small does not affect their life expectancy. So, like larger breeds, these goats can live for over a decade on average. So, keeping them as pets is a long commitment.
Space — Though small, they still need about 15-20 square feet to frolic about in. This will reduce any tendency the goats might have to escape.
Diet — While there are widespread beliefs about goats being able to eat anything, they will have issues if they ingest plants that contain toxins. It is essential to ensure they are well-fed so that they aren’t tempted to eat any plant they lay their eyes on.
