Nigerian Dwarf Goats: Breed Profile
A miniature dairy goat with high-butterfat milk.
Nigerian Dwarf goats descend from West African dwarf goats and were developed in the United States into a miniature dairy breed. They are small, in many colors, and have an association and a registry.
Purpose
Nigerian Dwarfs are raised for milk with high butterfat, and as pets and small-farm goats.
Where the breed stands today
The breed is very popular, with an association and many shows.
What to look for in a Nigerian Dwarf project animal
Look for a small, well-proportioned body, a well-attached udder, sound legs and a friendly temperament. Have a knowledgeable adult, a breeder or your veterinarian look the animal over before you buy, and compare more than one seller.
Showing Nigerian Dwarf at 4-H and FFA
Dairy goats are judged on dairy character, udder, structure and milk-related traits, plus showmanship. Rules differ by fair, so read your show book before you commit.
Pros
- Small size is easy for younger exhibitors
- Rich milk is great for cheese and soap
- Popular with many shows and classes
- Dairy goat shows have junior classes, showmanship and milking contests, and goats are small enough for younger exhibitors.
- A doe can be bred and milked, which teaches records, dairy handling and product skills.
Cons
- Small milk volume
- Can be mischievous and need secure fencing
- Competition is strong in some areas
- Does must be milked daily once they freshen, so there is a long-term commitment.
- Goats are climbers and escape artists, and they need strong fencing and shelter.
Caring for your project
Plan for daily feeding, fresh water, hoof trimming and parasite monitoring. Keep a record book from the first day, and write down feed, health care and costs, because judges and buyers both ask about them.
Getting started
A good first step is to visit a show in your area and watch the classes for your species. Talk with exhibitors, the superintendent and your club advisor about what they look for, and ask whether the show has a class for Nigerian Dwarf. Many students find a mentor this way, and a mentor can save you from the most expensive beginner mistakes.
Planning your budget
Add up the purchase price, feed, bedding, veterinary care, entry fees, travel and equipment before you commit. Ask your advisor what a typical project costs in your county, and plan for the chance that the animal will not qualify for the sale. A realistic budget keeps the project fun for the student and fair to the family.
Show-day tips
Arrive early so the animal and the exhibitor can settle before the class. Check the show book for the class name, age limits and check-in time, and bring your paperwork, feed, water and cleaning supplies. Judges notice calm, well-prepared exhibitors, so keep the animal clean, stay quiet in the ring and answer questions honestly. Afterward, ask the judge for feedback, because a few minutes of advice can shape next year's project.
Learning from the ring
Win or lose, every class teaches something. Write down what the judge said, compare notes with other exhibitors and talk with your advisor about one thing to improve before the next show. Students who treat each show as practice usually improve fastest, and they tend to enjoy the project more.
Questions to ask a breeder
- Are the animal and her parents registered, and can I see the papers?
- How old is she, and what has she been fed?
- Has she been handled, milked and trained to stand on a stand?
- What are the herd’s health, parasite and CAE/CL testing practices?
- Will she be eligible for the classes at my show?
Bottom line
Nigerian Dwarfs are a popular, manageable dairy goat.
To see how the contests work, read How Breeding Classes and Market Classes Work. Suppliers, vets and feed stores near you are listed at agriculture.directory. For a lighter look at fair life, farm.fm has Goat Opens Coffee Shop, Serves Espresso That Makes Farmers Philosophize About Dirt, and the Livestock Conservancy tracks the status of rare breeds.