3 Responses

1. paintedrain2

   06|Apr|2007 1

   Although they have similar origins, they are separate and distinct breeds. Pygmies are bred to be "cobby" and heavy boned. (The best pygmies look like beer kegs with legs.) Dwarves are bred to have the length of body and structure, in proportion, of a dairy goat.
   References :
   http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/goats/

2. llamas&goats

   07|Apr|2007 2

   I have never heard of an Australian Miniature, I wonder if it is a term for a miniature goat that is a mixed breed or of unknown origins, instead of a purebred? I really don't know but that is my guess.

   Nigerian Dwarfs are dairy goats and are built like a dairy goat, only smaller. They should have a good sized udder and produce a lot of milk for their size. They come in all colors and patterns. They have a refined look and are smaller boned than pygmies.

   African Pygmies are actually a meat breed. They are short and stocky and bred to be a muscular breed so that they produce a lot of meat for their size. They have stricter color guidlines and only a few colors are allowed.

   There are also other mini dairy breeds, such as miniNubian, miniMancha, miniOberhasli, etc. In those breeds the standard sized doe is bred to a Nigerian Dwarf buck, and the babies are 1st gen. minis. The goal is to eventually get small goats with the charactistics of the full sized breed.

   Miniature goats make excellent pets.
   References :
   I raise African Pygmy, mini-Nubian & Nigerian Dwarf goats.

3. Simone O'Brien

   07|Sep|2008 3

   Hi,
   I noticed this message as a breeder of the Australian Miniature Goat. You can visit this link to learn about the Australian Miniature Goat
   http://www.miniaturegoatbreedersassociation.com.au

   Thanks guys
   Simone