Nigerian dwarf goat vs Pygmy goats

Hi, my family and I were thinking about getting a few goats in our backyard for companionship and milk. We were wondering what breed we should get. We do not want to show our goats, we only live on an acre of land so we want a smaller breed(like Nigerian dwarf or pygmy) and we also live in Minnesota and today's high was -13 degrees not including wind chill and yesterday was -21. I read that both of those breeds come from Africa too.
So, what should we do?

If you are wanting milk from them I would say mini Nubian or Alpine.
They are hardy and can give up to 1 and a half gallons of milk a day.
I have all 4 breeds and the Nigerian dwarf will get out any fence you put up.
We have good fence that holds Fainting goats Boer goats and any other breeds besides Nigerian dwarf and pygmy.
But your choice get a breed you like.

thank you, this was very helpful.

I am researching goat breeds right now too. I was leaning toward the nigerian dwarfs at first, but now am pretty set on mini alpines, they are a alpine/nigerian dwarf cross. Slightly bigger than a ND but easier to handle than an alpine. The butterfat content is supposed to be higher than that of an alpine. The best source I found for info was MDGA. Mini Dairy Goat Assosiation.

Yeah even a cross bred ND or Pygmy that helps put some size on them.
I like the mini La Mocha's to.
You can post this in the goat forum too!

I have Nigerian, and they have been really good about staying in their fenced yard. They got out once by using the hefty H brace in the corner, but once we fixed that, we've not had any issues. (though our buck is fence fighting with our wethers so they damaged that fence, but we fixed it with hog panel... lets see you get through that one buddy)! Though if everyone was dehorned like the doe, it wouldn't be as much a problem.. but I prefer the horns because I believe they are there for a reason. Unfortunately, any kids will need to be dehorned if I sell them.

I really enjoy my Nigerians
Star is the tan goat with my buckling behind her (of course) and the two black are our wethers.

baby Casanova is now my buck, part lamancha (also a cute goat)... looks like he did his job and we'll have kid(s) at the end of March! I've been debating on getting a lamancha doe to breed him with for mini lamanchas. Debating... cause I hate that whole designer dog thing... which is the same as a designer goat thing... but then, I'm looking for good milkers in a small goat.

Star dumped the wheelbarrow and made herself at home. Cas was always near by.

Cas is my baby.. wants to always be close, though not so fun now that he's a smelly boy. .. but he loved to ride around with me.

When we first got Star and Ike and MIke, they were a bit thin.

Casanova, we raised from day 2, bottle baby. Such a sweet boy.

We live in Michigan and well, need I say our winter has been the most brutal this year than it has in years... the goats have nice thick coats and good shelter to go into. They seem to be doing fine.

They are ssssooooooo cute here are some of my goats!




Me trimming hooves

chickencuddler said:

Hi, my family and I were thinking about getting a few goats in our backyard for companionship and milk. We were wondering what breed we should get. We do not want to show our goats, we only live on an acre of land so we want a smaller breed(like Nigerian dwarf or pygmy) and we also live in Minnesota and today's high was -13 degrees not including wind chill and yesterday was -21. I read that both of those breeds come from Africa too.
So, what should we do?

Click to expand...

Yes, both are descended from the West African Dwarf goat. But the Nigerian Dwarves were lithe and have been bred for milking, and the pygmies took on a more cobbly, meaty body type.

Do you know where Orr, Minnesota is? Way up north where it is bone chillingly cold? Because one of the best Nigerian Dwarf breeders in the state makes her home there! And her goats are bred for milking, and boy do they milk! If you want to know more about Pelican Acres, you can either visit Karen's facebook page or website. She actually has quite a few nice animals for sale right now (herd reduction), including senior does.

So yes, NDs do just fine in cold climates. They do even better than say, Nubians or Boers, because their ears are less prone to getting frostbitten. Obviously, any goat needs dry, draft free shelters and plenty of hay to get through a harsh winter.

The Farm said:

If you are wanting milk from them I would say mini Nubian or Alpine.
They are hardy and can give up to 1 and a half gallons of milk a day.
I have all 4 breeds and the Nigerian dwarf will get out any fence you put up.
We have good fence that holds Fainting goats Boer goats and any other breeds besides Nigerian dwarf and pygmy.
But your choice get a breed you like.

Click to expand...

Funny, my Nigerian Dwarves completely respect my fences. I have several types of fences, and not even the bucks in rut escape when does are in heat.

Nigerians best 4 milking. very docile, friendly animals/pets. I had goats growing up alpines, Nubians and now in my middle age (50 something) I have chosen Nigerian dwarfs as my favorite simply for their personality, size. I have never had a problem with fences, jumping on their houses,ect. I've been raising Nigerians for 16 years and have a list of waiting customers whom are returners because they feel the same way.....perfect little pets!

oh & might add I live in Colorado -14 yesterday...they do fine with a nice solid shelter & straw bedding.