Like many domestic animals, an exact history isn’t known; but what we do know is that the Dwarf Nigerian Goat originated from a small breed of goat called the West African Dwarf (WAD). What is unclear is how the WAD came to the United States. It is believed that perhaps they arrived as food for large cats in transit for zoos. The goats that were not eaten, went to zoos. It was reported in the second edition of la Chevre, as early as 1918, that WAD goats had been imported into the United States by the 1930’s there were documented imports.

Since the first WAD goats went to zoos, they were part of zoo exhibits, but eventually it was necessary to reduce their population and individuals had opportunity to own WAD goats. Initially, all small goats were referred to as pygmies; with pygmy being reference to size, rather than breed. Over time, breeders began to notice two distinct types among the ‘pygmies’: the shorter legged, heavier bodied, round bone animals that is today’s Pygmy Goat; and the more refined, angular animal that is now the Dwarf Nigerian Goat.

In 1981, the International Goat Society (IDGR) opened a separate herdbook for Nigerian Dwarves with Mr. Robert Johnson’s Bullfrog Alleys Johnny Jump-Up #2, a buck bred by Mrs. Abrahamson, became the first Nigerian Dwarf registered by any registry. Then in 1984, the American Goat Society (AGS) opened a herbook for Nigerian Dwarves, and Wrights Pansy, AGS # D-1f, owned by Francis Wright of Indiana was the first registered AGS Nigerian Dwarf.

This breeds popularity has continued to grow. AGS sanctioned shows have helped and there are now shows in every part of the country, with breeders travelling thousands of miles to attend shows. The first show was in 1985 with only a few animals, and now today with nearly 200 animals. It’s clear the love of Dwarf Nigerian Goats is growing. How their arrived in our country may not be 100% clear, but what is clear is that they are a much loved breed and are here to stay.

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