Pygmy Goat 

Capra hircus

Species Specific Information

Range

Cosmopolitan (Domestic species found worldwide)

Habitat

Agricultural, terrestrial, temperate, tropical

Predators

Coyotes, dogs, cougars, red foxes, bald eagles, bobcats, humans

Diet

Herbivore (folivore)


Professional Care- Timothy hay


Life Expectancy

Professional Care- 12 - 18 years


Physical Characteristics:

Weight: 55 - 90 lbs (25 - 40 kg)

Size: 15 - 20 in (40 - 50 cm)


Distinguishing Characteristics:  The Pygmy goat is small and compact, and is not fine-boned like the dairy breeds. Pygmy goats are instead bred to be "cobby" and heavy boned. They have a full coat of straight, medium-long hair which varies in density with seasons and climates.

Adaptations & Fun Facts:

Females are called does, and males are called bucks.


The Pygmy goat was developed from the West African dwarf goat, a landrace of central and west Africa. They were later imported into the United States from European zoos in the 1950s. They are adaptable to most climates. 


A Pygmy goat is social, and therefore needs to be kept with at least one companion animal, whether it is another goat, sheep, miniature horse, donkey, or other species. 


They love to jump on things like rocks and small sheds. 


If their water is not fresh, they will not drink it! 

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