In 2024, we downsized our dairy goats from standard Alpine to the diminutive Nigerian Dwarf. They may be small, but they sure are mighty! We find them to be gentle, affectionate, graceful in appearance, and an easy-to-handle size in our senior years.
We actually began researching and following the breed 18 years ago. The Nigerian Dwarf production qualities attracted our attention and won us over.
We use raw milk to make nutritious dairy products like kefir, buttermilk, and soft cheese (and ice cream!). Read about our milking set-up here.
Raised holistically, our goat herd does not receive drugs, antibiotics, hormones, or shots. Chemicals are not used in, on, or around them. Herbs, homeopathy, and essential oils are utilized to restore the body to a healthy balance if needed.
Their basic diet is hay and forage/browse. They receive diatomaceous earth (DE), free-choice organic kelp, and Redmond’s loose mineral salts.
Far from being typical “grain-fed” goats, our does’ milk time ration includes non-GMO fermented grains (no corn or soy). Fermented grains do not disturb rumen activity but actually improve gut health, digestibility, milk production, and weight retention, which can be tricky with dairy animals.
Features of the Breed
The volume of high-quality milk produced is remarkable for their compact size, often recording up to two quarts per day in productive lines.
The milk is prized for its exceptionally high butterfat content, giving it a naturally sweet flavor (referred to as liquid ice cream!). This richness makes it excellent for producing creamy butter and flavorful cheeses.
ND’s are well known for their sweet, gentle, friendly, and playful disposition!
Adaptability to nearly any climate and ease of care are also important considerations the breed fulfills.
The balanced proportions, upright ears, and slightly dished face of the Nigerian Dwarf give it a graceful appearance very similar to the large Swiss dairy goat breeds. It’s the only dairy breed known to occasionally have blue eyes. While most have horns, some are naturally polled (no horns).
Standing between 16 and 23 inches tall at the withers and weighing 40-60 pounds at maturity, ND’s are well-suited for small farms and as pets. For perspective, the average dairy goat breed is 28- 30 inches tall and 125 pounds.
They generally breed year-round and produce twins. We’ve heard of quadruplets and quintuplets, on up to nine! Kids grow quickly on their mother’s rich milk. Little to no kidding assistance is needed. They can be milked for up to ten months. These qualities make Nigerian Dwarf goats quite valuable for homestead milk production where a year-round supply of a moderate amount of milk is desired.
Nigerian Dwarfs are highly social herd animals and thrive with goat companions. Though they are mostly considered a “quiet” breed, they do have a vocal nature, using various sounds to communicate with herd mates and human companions. Especially at feeding time!
We were also attracted to the diverse coat colors, patterns, and markings that make each goat uniquely beautiful. Their hair coat is short and fine:
- White: Pure white or white with contrasting markings.
- Gold: Various shades of gold, from light to deep hues.
- Red: Rich red tones, often with lighter or darker markings.
- Brown: Different shades of brown, including chocolate and tan.
- Spotted: Random spots or patches of different colors across the coat.
- Pied: Irregular patches of two or more colors.
- Roan: A mix of colors where the coat appears speckled or blended.
- Black: Solid black or black with other color patterns.