Dwarf goats first evolved in West and Central Africa, mainly in the coastal countries with humid climates. Known originally as the “West African Dwarf Goat”, the local types vary widely in size, body proportions, and coat colors. Their main virtue for African villagers was the ability to thrive and produce in fly-infested conditions, providing milk and meat to rural smallholders.

The American Goat Society opened a herdbook in 1984 to register goats of the agreed type as Nigerian Dwarf, and the breed was first shown in Texas in 1985. Nigerian dwarf goats are now typically raised as companion animals and for their milk, which is sweet tasting and high in butterfat. We have several goats here at The Seven Oaks Ranch.