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Pygmy Goats As Pets
By Tamara Sevigny
An often overlooked option, a goat can make a marvelous companion pet. They are affectionate, faithful and docile creatures. They only require the basics like any other pet: food, clean water, shelter, veterinarian care and love.
Pygmy goats grow to be around the size of a large dog, standing around 16-23 inches from the shoulder blade to the ground and weigh around 120 lbs.
They live 8-12 years, sometimes even longer. Their coats can grow to be light or dense, making them capable of adjusting to different climates. They do not endure cold as well as sheep but can live comfortably in temperatures as low as 20 degrees.
Their markings range from a variety of colors including white, tan, black and a color called agouti, which is white and black hairs mixed together, giving it a grey look.
Their personalities seem to be very similar to a dog. One owner from Monroe describes her Pygmy mix, Jazzy; "I brought her home and she fit right in. She loved it here, she followed me around wherever I went, even in the house. She got along with the cat, the dogs, and the ducks. …After a while I figured out she loved to go for car rides. I would take her everywhere."
Females are very docile; the males make good pets too, however they do have an unpleasant odor. They can be descented, but should be neutered before reaching adulthood, as they have a tendency to become aggressive not long after.
When it comes to diet there is a standard "Goat chow" available and should be supplemented with hay. Goats have a tendency to get fat so excessive treats should be avoided.
Be careful with your flower gardens, as your Pygmy may munch it down. They do enjoy any available foliage or ornamental outdoor plants and you need to be particularly careful about having any poisonous plants around.
Consider getting a pair, they will love the companionship of their own kind. Jazzy, for example, was thought to be lonely while she was the only goat on the property. But "only for a short while. My cousin lives here with me and she now has eight Nigerian Dwarf goats of her own. So Jazzy has lots of friends now and she is very happy."
As for grooming care, hooves are the main concern. They should be trimmed regularly if they aren’t worn down by walking on rough surfaces. It’s generally done every 4-6 weeks.
Shelter is another basic need that pygmy goats require. This shelter must include an actual shelter, such as a barn or stall to escape the weather. A fenced-in enclosure should also be provided to keep out stray dogs and other wild animals that may threaten the goat.
As with all pets, goats should have a physical exam by a veterinarian once per year and need to be vaccinated for diseases common to goats such as tetanus and over-eating disease.
With all their basic needs met, a goat can be a great pet and companion. You’ll have many wonderful years ahead of you watching these interesting animals and you’ll be surprised what wonderful personalities they have.
If you have any other questions about pygmy goats, contact your local veterinarian.
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