History

The history of Nigerian Dwarf goats is a fascinating blend of ancient agricultural traditions and modern breeding practices. Though like many domesticated livestock a lot of their history has been lost to time.

We do know they find their origins in West African Goats who have been valued for their versatility for centuries. A solid milking goat that could survive on very little, they were also used for meat which made them a perfect goat in harsh conditions for families and small communities.

The West African goats made their way to the USA in the early 1900’s, where they are thought to have been used to feed big cats in zoos. In 1980 their journey towards the dwarf milking goat we know today began. They were recognised as being distinctly different from the Pygmy goats and the Nigerian Dwarf Goat Association was founded. This required registration of the goats and breeding for the same characteristics. Over time they became increasingly popular and dedicated breeders began to refine the breed. They are now prized for their milk production, high butterfat content and birthing multiple kids.

In 2014 the first frozen embryos were imported to Australia where they began a programme of full blood Nigerian Dwarfs alongside working to improve their current dwarf goats at percentages.

While we know those original West African Goats also made their way to the UK in the early 1800’s, time was not so kind to them. There are currently small goats who share some of the physical features in the UK Pygmy population, and some breeders are trying to refine those to create a dwarf dairy breed.

In 2023 Stacey and Steven Briggs imported the first frozen embryos to the UK, Orion was born in March 2024 and marked the first Nigerian Dwarf Goat on UK soil.