Here, we’ll learn a little more about goats in general so that we can better understand the pygmy goat. Then, we’ll discover just how big (or small) these pint-sized goats really are, and whether or not they make good pets. We’ll also find out what these diminutive ruminants need to eat to stay healthy. Keep reading to learn just how big pygmy goats really are, and more!
The Scoop on Goats
All of the domestic goats alive today originated from the same wild forebear; the bezoars. Researchers believe that bezoars were first domesticated by people around 10,000 years ago in Central Asia or Eastern Europe. Since their domestication, goats have served as an important livestock animal for humans all over the world. Let’s take a look at some of the different breeds of goat, and what people use them for.
Breeds
There are over 300 registered breeds of domestic goat in the world today. Among those, pygmy goats are generally cited as the smallest. Other common breeds include the Alpine, Nubian, Savanna, Boer, Kiko, Angora, and Spanish meat goat. Each breed of goat was developed for a specific use, and some are known as heritage breeds. Heritage breeds include the French Alpine, Toggenburg, Saanen, and Nubian goats.
Uses
If you’re wondering: how big do pygmy goats get?, then you’re probably also wondering just what goats are used for. Well, goats serve many purposes, chief among them as a source of meat for human consumption. But, goats are also bred for their hides (leather), fur, and milk. In fact, dairy goats are extremely popular. Their milk doesn’t need to be homogenized, and it can be turned into delectable cheese, yogurt, butter, and even ice cream. Pygmy goats, however, were actually initially bred as meat goats in Africa. Later, they were imported to other countries primarily for use in scientific research.
Are Pygmy Goats the Smallest Goats?
Just how big do pygmy goats get? Well, believe it or not, pygmy goats are actually the smallest breed of goat out there. Males are slightly larger than females; on average, they max out at just 70 pounds and two feet in height. Females grow up to 22 inches tall, and weigh no more than 60 pounds. This makes the pygmy goat about the same size as a medium sized dog, like a lab or a retriever. In contrast to the purposely bred, dwarved, pygmy goat, are the large breed goats. These include Alpine, Savanna, Kiko, and Boer goats. These goats generally weigh at least 175 pounds, with Boer goats reaching over 300 pounds. Pygmy goats might be pint sized, but these large breeds are not goats you want to get on the wrong end of!
Do Pygmy Goats Make Good Pets?
Increasingly, pygmy goats are finding their way into our hobby farms, back yards, and even homes. Their small size, fun loving attitude, and inquisitive nature have made them an ever more popular choice as a pet. These tiny herbivores live up to 15 years, and are particularly resilient to disease and health problems. Further, they’re easy going, and do well when there is at least one other goat around. However, pygmy goats don’t always mix well with dogs, and they never mix well with landscaped gardens. Dogs and goats can get along, but you must exercise extreme caution when introducing them. As far as gardens go, if you’re thinking of getting a pygmy goat, make sure you have space for them to feed that won’t interfere with any plants you care about. This includes flower beds and vegetable gardens.
Pygmy Goat Diet
We’ve learned just how big pygmy goats get. Now, let’s learn more about what it takes to fuel these tiny hooved mammals. Goats are ruminants, which means they actually digest their food a couple of times. Unlike sheep and cows, which are grazers, goats are actually browsers. This means that, though they might not eat everything they touch, they’ll chew on just about anything. A pygmy goat’s typical diet should consist of about 90% hay and grass. They also need supplements, like salt licks, as well as a few fruits and vegetables. Despite their reputation, goats are actually relatively picky eaters. However, they love weeds of all variety, and make excellent weeders for gardens and pastures.
Up Next
Goat Lifespan: How Long Do Goats Live? Goat Gestation Period: How Long are Goats Pregnant?
